With the 2024 F1 season approaching its halfway stage, Mercedes are yet to find a replacement for outgoing Ferrari-bound driver Lewis Hamilton. Team principal Toto Wolff’s hopes for a bold switch were dashed by Max Verstappen as he refused to be associated with a struggling team.
Moreover, Mercedes also rejected proven race winner Carlos Sainz’s bid as they insist on prioritizing junior protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s F1 debut. While Kimi is currently underage to attain a super license, FIA has stepped at the right time to relax the minimum requirements, which will directly aid Kimi’s early F1 debut.
FIA Relaxes Minimum Age Requirement For F1 Super License!
In groundbreaking news for Mercedes, FIA has announced two major amendments to its minimum age bar rule that can allow a 17-year-old Italian protege, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, to debut in F1 effective immediately. Notably, Kimi has been viewed as the most likely replacement for Lewis Hamilton in the 2025 season. However, with the new rule modifications, Kimi can step into the realms of Formula 1 as early as now. Apparently, FIA has decided to allow an F1 super license to drivers below the age of 18 who “consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition.” In such instances, the decision to avail the super license will remain discreet with FIA as they will judge the driver’s credentials before making a final decision.
Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, has already been thriving in F2 this season, having won multiple F4 and regional titles in the past. He also drove an F1 car during a test run last month and recorded a solid lap time without any hiccups. Hence, Kimi will comfortably fit into the criteria if Mercedes does choose to move up his F1 debut. Antonelli will turn 18 by August, which is after the Monza race.
While the wait is only 2 months long, Kimi will lose his chances to drive on European circuits, which are more traditional and driver-friendly. Hence, the Silver Arrows have been aggressively pushing Antonelli’s early F1 debut at Williams. That being said, the new rule applies to free practice sessions as well. That means if a move to Williams is ruled out, Kimi can participate in FP sessions at just 17 years of age. It would be interesting to see if Toto Wolff uses this rule amendments to his advantage.
Toto Wolff Rules Out Carlos Sainz-Mercedes Move
Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has officially ruled out Carlos Sainz’s bid to join the team for the 2025 season. He told the media in Montreal that the team wants to prioritize Kimi Antonelli’s future, and the same has been conveyed to the Spanish driver as well.
Toto Wolff added that Carlos Sainz is an excellent driver who deserves honesty. Mercedes didn’t want to give him false hopes and keep him waiting. “We haven’t made the decision yet for next year, but we didn’t want to have Carlos wait as well,” Wolff said. Hence, the necessary clarity was the need of the hour.
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