The FIA has now amended the International Sporting Code governing Super Licence requirements, paving the way for Mercedes to get Andrea Kimi Antonelli an F1 seat.
Drivers must hold a valid Super Licence to drive in Formula 1 but strict rules govern who can obtain one. The FIA also obliges all drivers wishing to compete in an F1 Grand Prix to renew their licence every year. The price of a Super Licence also depends on a driver’s recent form.
It is mandatory to hold a Super Licence to race in F1 as the FIA strives to ensure only drivers suited for the series can compete. Drivers have had to obtain the licence since the 1990s, as well, with the sport’s governing body demanding they meet an array of strict criteria yearly.
The FIA can now grant 17-year-old drivers an F1 Super Licence
But the FIA has now amended Appendix L, Article 13.1 of the International Sporting Code as of June 2024 governing the Super Licence requirements. The governing body has amended point 13.1.3 so that it has the discretion to give drivers under the age of 18 a Super Licence.
Previously, the rule plainly read that all drivers ‘must be at least 18 years old at the start of the event of his first F1 competition’. But the FIA now has sole discretion to grant drivers a Super Licence from the age of 17 if they can demonstrate ‘outstanding ability and maturity’.
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The FIA will recognise drivers aged 17 for their recent and consistent ability to deliver in a single-seater category. Additionally, the FIA has removed point 13.1.2 which obliged drivers to hold a valid road driving licence when applying to merit a Super Licence to break into F1.
Drivers must still hold a valid FIA International Grade A licence, along with passing a theory test concerning the International Sporting Code and Formula 1’s sporting regulations, to get a Super Licence. Drivers must also still meet the points requirements to get a Super Licence.
Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli could now make his F1 debut
News of the FIA amending the International Sporting Code with the removal of point 13.1.2 and adjusting 13.1.3 (now 13.1.2) will, no doubt, delight Antonelli with the Mercedes junior driver striving to break into F1. The Italian can now apply for a Super Licence as he is still 17.
Antonelli does not celebrate his 18th birthday until the day of the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix on August 25. But the FIA can now, should it wish, grant him a Super Licence to debut in F1 at Zandvoort. The Formula 2 rookie for Prema faced waiting to the Italian GP on September 1.
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Mercedes are putting Antonelli through several private test sessions as they prepare to find him a Formula 1 seat for 2025. F1-Insider notes that Antonelli’s contract with Mercedes also features a clause ensuring him an F1 drive next year – possibly by replacing Lewis Hamilton.
Additionally, Ian Parkes has reported that Antonelli could make his F1 debut with Williams at the Dutch GP this year. It is not outside of the realms of possibility that Williams elect to axe Logan Sargeant during the 2024 term and find a more competitive teammate for Alex Albon.
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