Antonelli won't make F1 debut at Spanish GP after rule change · RaceFans

Antonelli won’t make F1 debut at Spanish GP after rule change · RaceFans

June 19, 2024

in Racing

Reading Time: 2 mins read

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is not going to step as much as Formulation 1 instantly after the FIA modified its guidelines to permit drivers youthful than 18 to compete.

All 10 F1 groups have confirmed unchanged driver line-ups for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

The Mercedes junior driver had been tipped for an early transfer into F1 after the FIA relaxed its guidelines for issuing superlicences final week. He was beforehand ineligible to race in F1 till he turns 18 in late August.

Nevertheless the FIA made modifications to the Worldwide Sporting Code permitting it to grant dispensations for 17-year-old drivers whom it considers appropriate to enter the sequence. It additionally eliminated the requirement for drivers to carry street automotive licences, which Antonelli can’t qualify for in Italy till he turns 18.

Whereas no crew has indicated it was behind the request to the FIA to permit Antonelli to compete, he’s into account by Mercedes for promotion to the seat Lewis Hamilton will vacate on the finish of the season. He has been tipped to take up a spot at considered one of their buyer groups earlier than then.

Williams is taken into account the likeliest goal as their driver Logan Sargeant has largely didn’t impress since making his debut within the sequence final 12 months. Sargeant has solely scored as soon as in his first 31 occasions and has by no means out-qualified his crew mate in a grand prix qualifying session. He was benched on the Australian Grand Prix after Alexander Albon crashed in apply, leaving the crew with solely a single intact chassis.

Nevertheless Williams has confirmed Albon and Sargeant will likely be its drivers once more this weekend. The subsequent spherical of the championship in Austria is a dash occasion, that means Antonelli would solely have a single hour of apply earlier than qualifying if he makes his debut there.

Antonelli made his debut in F2 this 12 months after successful the Formulation Regional European and Center East championships final season. His Prema crew mate Oliver Bearman will take part on this weekend’s grand prix, as he is because of take over Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas for the primary apply session.

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