In recent days there have been several rumors about the future of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, according to which he would have replaced Sargeant in Williams starting from the Imola GP. These rumors were supported by the numerous tests that Mercedes is having him do, first with the W12 at the Red Bull Ring and then with the W13 in Imola. Furthermore, the FIA would have received the request for its “early” superlicenceas he is not yet 18 years old, the minimum age to debut in Formula 1. Speaking to the media in the Miami paddock, however, James Vowles denied everythingstating that there will not be a change in the running and that the Italian will not make his debut in Imola.
Another quite relevant detail in hypothetical negotiations will be the relationship between Williams and Mercedes: the former Mercedes, in fact, has repeatedly underlined that the Grove team is not the junior team of the Brackley team, and that he will not take a youngster just because Wolff asks him to: “We are looking for the line up that will be with us in the future, as well as many others, but I remember that we also have our own academy. I don’t know what Antonelli is doing with the tests and, as far as I’m concerned, his debut must be meritocratic. Logan also has to earn his seat and there are many places where he has to get closer to Albon. However, we currently have no reason to replace it“.
“We want options for both 2025 and 2026, because then there will be a change in the regulations and it’s not ideal to change drivers. There is no doubt that Antonelli is very talented, but he was in a Formula 4 car just 20 months ago, is in a particular condition. In the meantime we have already spoken to 4 or 5 riders, now I just want to take my time to choose. However my first goal is to make this car faster, as I said before”, Vowles then continued to Lawrence Barretto’s microphones.
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