Will we soon witness the first change in the F1 grid? The FIA has received an application to grant a super license to Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Italian is only 17 years old and is considered a huge talent. However, he must count on special treatment.
Łukasz Kuczera
04 House 2024, 09:07
Press materials / Mercedes / In the photo: Andrea Kimi Antonelli Andrea Kimi Antonelli is considered a huge talent. Mercedes has organized an extensive testing program for him this year to prepare the Italian to compete in Formula 1 in 2025. However, it may turn out that the 17-year-old from Bologna will get a chance in the queen of motorsport already this season.
The FIA has received an application to prematurely award a super license to Antonelli. This is a special document required to drive in F1. To receive it, you must be over 18 years of age. In exceptional situations, however, you can ask the world federation to grant it at an earlier date.
It is not clear who submitted the request to the FIA and whether it concerns only a super license for training or also for racing appearances. However, it is believed in the F1 paddock that Mercedes is looking for a place for its junior to start and already has a specific plan. The Germans believe Antonelli could get a chance at Williams, where Logan Sargeant is failing. The change of drivers could take place as early as May during the Emilia Romagna GP.
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– I don’t know anything about what happens during Mercedes tests. Like everyone else, we are looking for the best drivers for our 2025 lineup. We also have our own talent academy. I can’t judge what level Kimi is at. “I have said from the beginning that if he was to get a seat in the car this season, it would have to be based on results,” Mercedes boss James Vowles told motorsport.com.
-Logan has to earn his place too. Right now, he has some difficult goals to achieve. He needs to get closer to Albon in our car. However, we have no plans to replace him at this time,” Vowles added.
The FIA spokesman confirmed that the organization had received an application to issue a super license to Antonelli more quickly. – We’re analyzing it. However, the procedure must be followed. Many people and committees must agree to this, because issuing a document to such a young person is against the regulations, he said.
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