Max Verstappen Challenges FIA’s Superlicence Rules Blocking Young Talents Like Kimi Antonelli from F1 Debut

Max Verstappen criticizes regulation blocking Kimi Antonelli's Formula 1 entry

Red Bull's Max Verstappen expresses disapproval of the FIA's superlicence criteria for F1 entry.

Max Verstappen has expressed disapproval of the FIA's regulation that presently prevents Mercedes talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli from having his first Formula 1 race.

Following Verstappen's entry into his first Grand Prix at the tender age of 17 years and 166 days in 2015, directly from Formula 3, F1's regulatory authority, the FIA, implemented a more rigorous points system.

Currently, to be eligible for a superlicence, drivers are required to gather 40 points, reach the age of 18, and successfully finish a minimum of 80% of two complete seasons in single-seater races.

In the previous year, Red Bull turned down a request for a superlicence from IndyCar victor Colton Herta.

Last week during the Miami Grand Prix, it was revealed that an application was submitted to the FIA to obtain an F1 superlicence for Antonelli, aiming for him to possibly debut in a grand prix before his 18th birthday in August.

Triple world champion Verstappen has explicitly expressed his dislike for the existing FIA framework.

"Obviously, I'm the reason that regulation was put in place," stated the Red Bull racer in Miami. "Ultimately, it fails to halt what it's supposed to."

"This isn't exclusively regarding Antonelli, but it could hinder certain skilled drivers from advancing to Formula 1 swiftly since they need to first gather those 40 points."

"I don't really like it – the whole setup. The FIA believes it's beneficial, but I'd prefer it didn't exist. Why shouldn't a young driver, say 17 or 18, with possibly 20 points to their name, but with incredible speed, be allowed to join Formula 1?"

Speculation has been circulating that Antonelli, presently racing in Formula 2 after bypassing Formula 3, might be accelerated into a Formula 1 seat just in time for the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.

Nonetheless, Williams dismissed rumors of substituting Logan Sargeant, who is facing challenges to retain his position, in the upcoming Imola race.

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