The FIA has received a Super Licence request which is thought to allow Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Logan Sargeant mid-season at Williams. The request comes on the heels of Antonelli's impressive test session with Mercedes at Imola.
Recently, the FIA confirmed that it is evaluating a request for a special dispensation to grant 17-year-old Antonelli a Super Licence, which would be necessary for him to compete in Formula 1 races.
Antonelli, who is not going to turn 18 until August 25, is currently ineligible for a Super Licence under the existing age criteria. This request, reportedly submitted by Williams, has ignited discussions about the future of American driver Sargeant who has been struggling to find the same performance as his teammate Alex Albon.
Antonelli, who recently showcased his driving prowess in a test session at Imola in a Mercedes W13, is tipped to fill this role, potentially setting the stage for his future elevation to a more competitive seat with Mercedes with the regulation change in 2026.
Formula One journalist Philip Horton reported the news to X, sharing:
"The FIA has received a request to grant Andrea Kimi Antonelli a Super Licence under special dispensation - he does not turn 18 until August 25. FIA is looking into it - it requires multiple parties and commissions in the voting process due to the regulations."
The FIA has received a request to grant Andrea Kimi Antonelli a Super Licence under special dispensation - he does not turn 18 until August 25.
— Phillip Horton (@PHortonF1) May 3, 2024
FIA is looking into it - it requires multiple parties and commissions in voting process due to the regulations. #F1
Further adding to the news, F1 pundit Will Buxton shared insights on Williams' intentions post-Antonelli's commendable test performance. He commented:
"As I understand it Williams had made this request with the intention of an Imola debut after Antonelli's stunning Mercedes test. Williams told me they do not comment on driver contracts."
As reported this morning, as I understand it Williams had made this request with the intention of an Imola debut after Antonelli’s stunning Mercedes test. Williams told me they do not comment on driver contracts. https://t.co/LgcnV8wvWr
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) May 3, 2024
These developments raise several questions about the future composition of the grid and Williams. As the FIA deliberates on this special dispensation request, the Formula 1 community watches closely, anticipating potential shifts in team dynamics and driver rosters.
There has been a huge amount of speculation over Antonelli's future in Formula One since seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton confirmed his exit from Mercedes as at the end of the year, as he moves to Ferrari. Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has often mentioned Antonelli as a driver he is considering for the team's future. However, it makes sense that the team would be keen to negotiate a spot for Antonelli at Williams for 2025 before moving up to Mercedes for the regulation change in 2026, so long as he proves he has the performance.
Uncommon Knowledge
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