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FIA receives Super License request for 17-year-old Mercedes prodigy Kimi Antonelli for shock F1 debut in 2024

Max Verstappen ‘s debut at just 17 years old had struck a rule change from FIA for the minimum age of drivers allowed to compete in Formula 1. Hence, all the drivers now need to be at least 18 years old to get the F1 Super License However, Mercedes prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli, currently 17 has grabbed the attention of Brackley. The team has reportedly urged FIA to make an exception for the Italian driver.

Lewis Hamilton‘s bombshell move to Ferrari left a vacancy in Mercedes for the coming season. Hence, Toto Wolff has actively been looking at driver replacements since then. Amidst the plethora of options, Andrea Kimi Antonelli stood out much farther from the other options. The 17-year-old quickly rose to succession and won multiple categories within one-seater racing. Hence, Mercedes is eager to get their hands on the driver and let him test out F1 cars before making a debut.

Antonelli would turn 18 on 25th August. However, Mercedes requested FIA to make an exception in the Super License for the 17-year-old and allow him to participate in testing the F1 car on the track before his birthday. As a result, one can assume that Brackley is keen on signing the prodigy soon after seeing such interest in him. However, the FIA hasn’t declared their final decision as the team awaits to test out the Italian driver in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Kimi Antonelli reportedly set to replace Logan Sargeant in Imola for an early F1 debut

There hasn’t been much information regarding the rumors from Mercedes’ side. However, multiple other reliable sources have confirmed the news to be indeed true. Hence, Kimi Antonelli might make his F1 debut at 17 if he gets the clearance from the FIA. According to reports, Antonelli will likely replace Williams’ Logan Sargeant.

F1 journalist Will Buxton claimed that this switch could happen as early as the next race in Imola. Buxton made it clear that sources were quite reliable on this. However, the journalist also mentioned that FIA would need to make special arrangements for such a scenario. Hence, the dispensation has already been sorted out by the respective teams.

[Kimi Antonelli] could be making his F1 debut in Imola in a couple of weeks' time in place of Logan Sargeant. Sources appear to be quite reliable on this.They will need special dispensation from the FIA to run him as he is underage at 17 years of age. But the team have, to my understanding, already applied for that dispensation from the FIA. Will Buxton said in an interview

Kimi Antonelli could be the next Max Verstappen as he has already been performing exceptionally well. The 17-year-old has managed to impress the F1 paddock with his results in junior series. However, everything lies in the hands of FIA as they will take the final call. As things are, Antonelli might be considered by Mercedes for a spot in the next season.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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