FIA changes super license rule meant to prevent ‘another Max Verstappen’ situation for Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Andrea Kimi Antonelli could break Max Verstappen's record of obtaining a super license before 18 years of age .

FIA changes super license rule meant to prevent ‘another Max Verstappen’ situation for Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Max Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen joined F1 back in 2014 when he was just 17 years old. The Dutchman received a super license before he could acquire his driving license at the age of 18. Hence, this pushed FIA to restrict drivers under 18 to obtain a super license. However, the sport might tweak this rule to allow entry for the immensely talked about prodigy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The young Italian took the F1 world by storm after gaining interest from Mercedes and Williams. FIA even received a special request to make an exception for the 17-year-old and allow him to debut before 18.

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Hence, the governing body has finally adhered to the pleas of the teams and added an extra clause in the International Sporting Code of F1.

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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 Super Licence at the age of 17 years old.
As per article 13.1.2 of FIA’s Appendix L

According to the new clause, at the sole discretion of FIA, a driver younger than 18 with outstanding ability and maturity in F1 chassis could be granted a super license at just 17 years old. Hence, this meant that Kimi Antonelli could enter F1 before he turned 18 by August 25. Additionally, the 17-year-old could be moving to Brackley in the coming season after the addition of a clause in his favor.

Toto Wolff claimed Kimi Antonelli ‘played a part’ in Mercedes’ new route to reinvent themselves

Andrea Kimi Antonelli quickly rose to success in the junior karting categories before being considered for a spot in F1. The Italian driver was even rumored to debut in the sport as early as the upcoming Spanish GP. However, no concrete information has been put forth regarding this. Regardless, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff sided with Kimi Antonelli over his chances to be considered for a seat.

Andres Kimi Antonelli
Andres Kimi Antonelli (Via: Imago)

Wolff reckoned that Carlos Sainz deserved one of the top seats at the pinnacle of motorsport. But to be considered in Mercedes, the Spaniard didn’t fit their new ideology to reinvent themselves. On the contrary, the Austrian mentioned that Antonelli definitely played a part in Brackley’s new route to reinvent the entire constructor by the coming season.

Carlos deserves a top seat. He's done a fantastic job, but for us, we've embarked on a route now to say...we want to reinvent ourselves a little bit going forward and Kimi Antonelli definitely plays a part in that.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by autosport

Kimi Antonelli’s entry into F1 would mean that he would probably break Max Verstappen‘s record to be the youngest driver. Hence, it would be a big deal if the Italian driver actually seals a deal with any of the teams in the sport. Regardless, the coming season promises great excitement in terms of drivers and their teams.

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