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FIA Super License change opens the door for Antonelli debut
The FIA has opened up the possibility for Andrea Kimi Antonelli to take part in practice sessions this year before he turns 18, as well as for drivers to earn a Super License at a younger age.
Previously, drivers had to be 18 years old to qualify for a Super License, and hold a valid driving license when they apply for a Super License for the first time. Earlier this year, Williams made a request to the FIA for those rules to be reviewed and for special dispensation to be given to Mercedes young driver Antonelli, who doesn’t turn 18 until the end of August.
An amendment has since been made to Appendix L of the International Sporting Code that deals with driver licenses, and the requirement for drivers to hold a valid driving license when applying for their first Super License has been removed, while 17 year olds will now also be eligible at the FIA’s judgement.
“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 License at the age of 17 years old,” the addition to the requirements read.
Similarly, the ability for 17-year-old drivers to acquire a license to take part in Formula 1 free practice sessions has also been opened up.
“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 Free Practice Only Super License at the age of 17 years old.”
Antonelli is on the shortlist to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025, with the Italian currently sixth in the Formula 2 championship standings after securing enough points for a Super License courtesy of two Formula 4 and two Formula Regional titles in each of the past two years.
Presented by:
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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