Wanted Antonelli under huge pressure: 'Has to learn to deal with it'

It is no longer a question of if, but when Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his debut in Formula 1. Long assumed that the Italian would possibly debut for Mercedes in '25 as Lewis Hamilton's replacement, since Friday it has been clear that Williams has him in its sights as a possible replacement for the struggling Logan Sargeant. There is just one small problem: Antonelli does not yet hold a super licence.

In principle, Antonelli can only get it once he turns 18, which happens on 25 August this year. However, Williams has submitted a request to the FIA for dispensation, to perhaps give Antonelli the chance before then. Given the many echelons that must first agree to such a request - if at all - a decision cannot be expected for several weeks, at least not before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Antonelli in Formula 2 for now

In Imola, Antonelli will therefore still 'just' race in Formula 2, the step-up class in which he has been under a magnifying glass from day one. On the one hand, this means extra pressure for Antonelli, but as a result there is also plenty of attention for the series as a whole. Bruno Michel, the CEO of Formula 2, is therefore pleased with the youngster's presence.

"It's always good when we have drivers coming that has quite a lot of hype and people are looking into it," says Michel. "I think it's important and obviously he is a talent, there's no doubt about that. After that, I think it's also important to leave the driver developing himself without adding any additional external pressure, which we know is very theoretical. It’s not Formula 1 but it's still quite big. So yes, Kimi has to deal with that."

"It's good on one hand and it's additional pressure on the other one, but I think it's part of his learning process as well. And sometimes you probably would hope that he can be forgotten a little bit, but he's not. So that's part of the game and he's got to deal with it. And if he can deal with it properly, for sure, it's a good thing. It's a great asset for him in the future," Michel believes.