Andrea Kimi Antonelli could make his debut in Formula 1 even before his 18th birthday at the 2024 Imola GP. The FIA, in fact, has received the request for an exemption for the super license for the Bolognese
May 3, 2024
PFirst it was just rumors but now it’s becoming reality. The FIA confirmed that it had received the request for exemption to take to the track without a super license for the minor Andrea Kimi Antonellithe young pilot of the Mercedes Junior Teamengaged in its first season in Formula 2 with the team Press. The Bolognese has shown from an early age that he has talent to spare and this has also been confirmed by the recent tests that took place on board the W13 of silver arrows ad Imola. Right at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome, home of the next seasonal Grand Prix, Antonelli’s official debut in Formula 1 could take place as a replacement for Logan Sargeant in Williams.
Lhe possibility of having a driver with the Italian flag back in Formula 1 is getting closer and closer. It was certainly a matter of time but Mercedes seems to intend to put their foot down on the accelerator. The date x should have been on August 25, 2024when Andrea Kimi Antonelli will reach the age of majority, a necessary requirement to obtain the super license, which is essential for debuting in the top category. Beyond this, you need to own one valid driving license in your country of originin the case of the driver of the Mercedes Junior program in Italy, having passed a theoretical test on the rules in force in Formula 1 and hold 40 points in a three-year period collected in other FIA championships.
TOtonelli obtained these points by taking part in the Italian Formula 1 championship, Formula Regional Middle East and Formula Regional Europe. The only point the Bolognese is missing for the super license is therefore limited by his age. For this reason, in order to be able to get on track before August, when he will be of age, needs an exemption from the FIA. The latter confirmed to RacingNews365 that it had received a request which will need to be examined. This rule was introduced following the debut of Max Verstappen in 2015when she was still a minor and now she seems ready to be eliminated. Antonelli could take to the track as early as the next round, the 2024 Imola Grand Prix, as a replacement for Logan Sargeant, now close to being fired, in Williams. In this way, the young talent would have the opportunity to “cut his teeth” and then be promoted to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will wear Ferrari red next year.
