Antonelli is rumored to replace Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 world champion who is moving to Ferrari, at Mercedes at the end of the season. However, there have also been suggestions that he could replace Logan Sargeant at Williams.
As a young Italian driver supported by Mercedes, Antonelli is currently competing in Formula 2. However, he will turn 18 on August 25, which means he will not be able to participate in the next six race weekends.
There have been discussions about the possibility of Antonelli driving for Williams, or even for Mercedes, in Friday practice sessions at European circuits where he is familiar. This would allow him to gain experience before becoming eligible to compete in races.
Previously, the FIA International Sporting Code stated that drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. This rule was implemented after Max Verstappen’s early entry into the sport as a three-time champion. In Italy, the minimum age to obtain a driver’s license is also 18. However, this week the FIA quietly removed this clause from its regulations.
The new regulation now states that “at the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver who has recently and consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and maturity in single-seater formula car competitions may be granted a Super License at 17 years old.” Antonelli meets the requirements for this license, as he has already accumulated enough points in junior series and has conducted private tests with Mercedes in older F1 cars, including a recent test in Barcelona.
Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes, expressed his interest in Antonelli’s potential during last week’s Canadian Grand Prix. He emphasized the importance of being patient with the young Italian driver, stating: “We want to make some changes in the future, and Kimi Antonelli definitely has a role to play in that.” There are also rumors that Mercedes could place Antonelli at Williams next year alongside Alex Albon, similar to how they promoted George Russell from Williams to the Silver Arrows.
