'Mercedes want 17-year-old Antonelli to make F1 debut at Williams'

Mercedes are reportedly looking at the possibility of signing Andrea Kimi Antonelli to Williams in the 2024 Formula 1 season. There is just one problem: Antonelli is only 17 years old and, therefore, not yet eligible for an FIA super licence.

'Williams wants to request an exception for Antonelli'

Mercedes are reportedly looking at options to put Antonelli in Lewis Hamilton's F1 seat as early as 2024. The 17-year-old Italian recently tested for two days with a 2021 Mercedes W12 in Austria, and more tests are scheduled in the coming weeks with a 2022 W13. The team would love to promote Antonelli but fears that this is too big a step for him, reports F1 journalist Joe Saward.

Therefore, it would possibly be better for the young talent to spend some time with a smaller team before—possibly—joining Mercedes in 2026. According to Saward, Antonelli could be loaned to Williams, who are looking for a replacement for Logan Sargeant.

In that case, Williams would employ Antonelli for 18 months. The problem, however, is that he will not be old enough to get a super licence until the end of August, when he turns 18. Williams could try asking the FIA for dispensation since Max Verstappen also entered F1 at the age of 17. However, the regulations included the minimum age only after the Dutchman's arrival. An exception can be requested if a driver does not have enough points for his superlicence, but this seems to be more difficult for age.