The FIA has confirmed that it has received a request to grant 17-year-old Formula 1 prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli special dispensation to receive a Super Licence before he turns 18, the minimum age for one.

By Martin Lloyd and Michael McClure

A representative from the FIA, F1’s governing body, told Feeder Series, “We have received this request, and we are looking into it but there’s a process to be followed and multiple people/commissions required to vote and agree to it as it would require a rule change.”

FIA regulations stipulate that drivers possess an FIA Super Licence to take part in F1 grands prix.

The news comes amid widespread speculation over the F1 future of Antonelli, who has been touted as a possible replacement for Williams Racing’s second-year driver Logan Sargeant. Antonelli has been a member of the Mercedes Junior Team since 2019 and is currently ninth in the F2 drivers’ standings in his rookie season with Prema Racing.

Williams are one of Mercedes’ engine customers in F1. Beyond the teams’ technical partnership, Williams fielded George Russell from 2019 to 2021 before he stepped up to Mercedes in 2022, and Williams team principal James Vowles, hired in 2023, spent the previous 21 years of his career with the Brackley-based outfit.

A Mercedes spokesperson told Feeder Series that the team “are not pushing for any dispensation” for Antonelli to be granted a Super Licence early. On Saturday morning, Williams replied to Feeder Series’ request for comment on the matter by redirecting Feeder Series to Vowles’ comments in an FIA press conference for team principals held Friday in Miami. The FIA declined to confirm the identity of the team that filed the special dispensation request.

Italy’s Antonelli turns 18 on 25 August 2024, the day of F1’s Dutch Grand Prix. The F1 paddock is currently in Florida for the Miami Grand Prix, Sargeant’s home race.

Further updates to follow.

Editor’s note, 4 May 2024, 20:45 CEST: This article was updated to include Williams’ response to Feeder Series‘ request for comment.

Header photo credit: Dutch Photo Agency