Sargeant must make way for Antonelli: Williams make request to FIA

Sargeant is probably working at one of his last Grands Prix for Williams in Formula 1. The American has barely managed to impress in 2024 and, despite a new contract, does not seem to have the confidence to really take on Alexander Albon. Williams are now taking matters into their own  hands and hope to get Antonelli for the second seat alongside Albon.

An FIA spokesperson told GPblog that the request has been made to get dispensation for Antonelli. After all, the Italian is only 17 years old and therefore cannot receive a super licence. This minimum age was set after Max Verstappen's debut. By whom the request was made, the FIA logically cannot disclose.

Why do Williams want Antonelli

Antonelli is part of the Mercedes junior programme, but Mercedes have no desire for a dispensation for Antonelli. Mercedes have already let Antonelli make the move from F4 to F2. An early move to F1 may come too early in that trajectory. So Mercedes do not like the dispensation, but suspect Williams are hoping to get Antonelli into the car with this rule change. Williams have so far not responded to GPblog's query.

For Antonelli to debut in F1 before his 18th birthday, a rule in F1 needs to be changed. The minimum age is a clear rule, which would have to be changed for Antonelli. The FIA informs that the Super Licence Working Group has to examine this request, after which the Safety Committee has to vote for the changes, and finally there also has to be the approval of the World Motorsport Council. According to the FIA, this could take several weeks.

Should the rule change go through, the Imola Grand Prix may come too soon for Antonelli. The Italian did drive a Mercedes F1 car at the Imola circuit already. The team are preparing him for his debut in F1, although that was mainly for a debut in 2025. Mercedes have a seat available or they may first give Antonelli a place with another team, for example Williams, in 2025. Williams might want to speed up that process, as evidenced by their request to amend the rule.

Whether Mercedes and Antonelli will ultimately say 'yes' if Williams gets this rule change through remains to be seen. In any case, one thing is clear: Sargeant's days are numbered. Despite the many internal expressions of support, if the team wants to force a rule change to put another driver in your place, it sends a clear message.