Kimi Antonelli closer to F1 debut after change to Sporting Code

Jaden Diaz
14/06/2024

Before even setting foot in Formula 1, Kimi Antonelli has been featured regularly in F1 news outlets. In the aftermath of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari announcement, Antonelli was floated as a potential replacement for the 7-time Champion. This initial speculation intensified as Toto Wolff spoke in extremely glowing terms of the 17-year-old. Despite Wolff’s attempts to try and manage expectations in recent weeks, Mercedes’ interest in the youngster is abundantly clear.

However, it is not only the Silver Arrows who have been linked with Antonelli.

At the Imola GP weekend, it was reported that Williams sent a dispensation request to the FIA – with the aim of allowing Antonelli to compete in F1 before his 18th birthday. That said, this request was not made with the intention of immediately giving Antonelli a full-time seat.

Instead, it is understood the objective was to obtain permission for the 17-year-old to drive in an FP1 session.

Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli increasingly likely to make FP1 appearance

It seems this plan is coming to fruition. The FIA has recently made the following amendment to the Sporting Code:

“At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Free Practice Only Super Licence at the age of 17 years old.

Evidently, this is an alteration that directly impacts Kimi Antonelli. Should a team want the youngster to drive in an FP1 session before Antonelli turns 18 (on August 25th), receiving the FIA’s permission should not be an issue.

To be clear, a mid-season promotion to a full-time F1 seat is not expected. Instead, Antonelli is likely to compete in various FP1 sessions this season. Given the time this initial request was sent, it seems reasonable to assume he will make his FP1 debut before the summer break.

The question now is when the youngster will make his first appearance in an official F1 session.

Moreover, it remains to be seen if it is Mercedes or Williams who will give Antonelli his first mileage in F1 machinery.

Answers to these questions should emerge soon as the spotlight continues to shine on this highly anticipated talent.

Autore

SEGUICI SU

Podcast