Currently, the F1 Super License is granted exclusively to drivers who have reached the age of 18. Therefore, if Mercedes intends to introduce Kimi Antonelli to the racing scene this year, they would need to obtain a special permission.
After the departure of their driver in 2025, Mercedes found themselves without a suitable replacement. There have been speculations that the team boss is interested in a 17-year-old prodigy. However, rumors have emerged suggesting that Mercedes could consider the possibility of the young Italian driver joining a smaller team for his debut this season. However, Wolff denied claims that he had applied to the FIA for Antonelli’s Super License.
Currently, the FIA has set the minimum age to obtain an F1 Super License at 18 years. It was reported that Mercedes made attempts to seek an exception from the regulatory body. Speculations arose that Antonelli could replace someone at Williams this season. However, it was confirmed that the Silver Arrows did not approach the FIA on this matter.
In addition, the Mercedes team boss emphasized the importance of Antonelli focusing on his F2 campaign this season, without being distracted by such rumors. Toto Wolff also stated that the decision on the vacant seat in the team will not be made for at least a few weeks, if not months.
Kimi Antonelli had the opportunity to test older Mercedes F1 cars in private sessions organized by the team. Sources indicated that the Italian driver has been performing well so far. However, it is worth noting that it is challenging to evaluate a driver’s performance when he is testing alone on the track.
Furthermore, Russell mentioned that the goal of these tests was to provide Kimi Antonelli with valuable experience. George Russell even suggested that the Italian driver has the potential to become a Mercedes driver in the future. However, he did not specify if this would happen next year or in the following years.
Kimi Antonelli faces high expectations for this season. Many believe that the 17-year-old driver could be the perfect fit for Mercedes next season. However, before getting the opportunity to debut in the pinnacle of motorsport, Antonelli must first prove his skills in F2 and during the private tests conducted by the Silver Arrows.
