The FIA announced on Friday that it has adjusted the rules regarding super licenses. From now on, teams are allowed to use underage drivers in training sessions. Previously, drivers had to be at least 18 years old, provided they had accumulated enough points. This change opens up opportunities for 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who, after several Formula 1 tests with Mercedes, is now also allowed to participate in free practice sessions.
The new rules only apply to drivers who have already proven that they possess the necessary skills. According to the FIA, a driver must have demonstrated ‘outstanding ability and maturity’ in a single seater race car. Antonelli, who has already completed two successful tests with Mercedes, certainly falls into this category.
Antonelli to Mercedes?
Earlier this year, one of the Formula 1 teams applied to use a 17-year-old driver during a free practice session. The paddock immediately pointed to Williams, a customer team of Mercedes and a possible place for Antonelli to practice the intricacies of Formula 1. However, Williams denied having anything to do with the application.
Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who currently competes in Formula 2 with PREMA, is one of the main options to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2025 onwards. Team boss Toto Wolff is very impressed with the young driver and prefers to bet on youthful drivers. George Russell has also prepared himself for the company of the Italian.
