FIA announces key tweak to the super licence rules which can allow Antonelli to race in early summer

Formula One’s governing physique, the FIA has made a key change to the super licence rules which will allow 17-year-old drivers to race, offered they display “outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competitions.”

Drivers have to receive a super licence in order to safe permission to compete in Formula One. The present rules state that drivers have to be at the very least 18 years previous earlier than being allowed to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. Furthermore, they want to maintain a legitimate driving licence in the nation they race below, and they’re additionally required to maintain an International Grade A contest licence.

This stricter super licence rule was launched after Max Verstappen made F1 historical past in 2015 by turning into the sport’s youngest driver at 17 years 166 days with Toro Rosso. The Dutchman’s early debut prompted the FIA to change its rules to be certain that inexperienced drivers can’t attain F1 too early.

It has now emerged that the FIA has revised its International Sporting Code once more, reducing the age requirement for the Formula 1 super licence.

The part 13.1 of Appendix L To The International Sporting Code has been now up to date which additional requires drivers to attain the age of 18 years, however it can now pave manner for youthful drivers because it states {that a} 17-year-old driver would possibly grant permission to take part in Formula 1 races, offered he demonstrates “outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competitions.”

The amended rule states: “The driver must be at least 18 years old at the start of the event of his first F1 competition. 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.”

The up to date rule may have penalties in the close to future as Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli would possibly make an early debut in F1.

The Italian sensation has been in competition for the second Mercedes seat that might be vacant after seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton’s departure from the group. The present F2 driver has already accomplished a number of take a look at outings with Mercedes 2021 and 2022 F1 automobiles at the Red Bull Ring, in Imola and in Silverstone.

With Mercedes group boss Toto Wolff sounding a constructive observe about Antonelli’s debut outings, he was rumoured to have a possible likelihood to take over Logan Sargeant’s seat at Williams this yr. However, as he’ll solely flip 18 on the twenty fifth August, he has not met the age standards of the super licence rule but.

But, along with his success in junior collection over the previous years, the amended rule would possibly see the Bologna-born driver make his F1 debut earlier than the finish of August, probably with the Grove-based Williams outfit.