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Williams has asked the FIA to provide special dispensation to allow Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race before he turns 18. Antonelli’s junior championship victories have ensured h…
Williams has requested special dispensation from the FIA to allow Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race in Formula 1 before he turns 18. Antonelli has the required 40 points for a Super License, yet the rules mandate a driver to be 18 years old to compete. Despite being in his rookie Formula 2 season, Antonelli impressed in F1 tests, sparking talks about his potential move to the sport. Williams’ Principal James Vowles initiated the request for an age exemption, raising questions about Logan Sargeant’s future with the team. Antonelli turns 18 on 25th August, necessitating dispensation for races up to the Dutch Grand Prix; otherwise, he could partake from Monza onward. The FIA has confirmed receipt of the request, but the decision involves various stakeholders and a rule change process. Vowles stated there are no immediate plans to field Antonelli, focusing on car performance and evaluating drivers for future seasons.
