Good news for Antonelli: The Italian can make his Grand Prix debut

It is a happy day for Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The super-talent celebrates his 18th birthday on this Sunday, 25 August. So from this moment on, the Italian can make his Grand Prix debut without any problems. In principle, however, this will not happen until next season, as Antonelli is the main (and only?) candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

It has recently become possible for 17-year-old drivers to compete in Formula 1 under special conditions. Antonelli too - had there at least been a team willing to field him at Grands Prix - could have invoked that exception. Before the FIA had granted such a request, however, some time had passed and while a positive response could be expected in such a case, it was not a certainty.

In any case, Kimi Antonelli already had the necessary points for a Superlicence, so it can be applied immediately. Combined with his age, the Italian could make his debut as a Grand Prix driver in Formula 1 from this point on. But, as mentioned, it will probably be a while before that happens - unless a spot opens up at Williams, perhaps?

Mercedes is preparing the current Formula 2 driver for his entry into the premier class of motorsport in the coming months. The team is doing so through private testing in older F1 cars. In Monza, Antonelli will reportedly get the chance to participate in FP1 on behalf of the German team.

This article has been written in collaboration with Matt Gretton

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