- Toto Wolff faces a dilemma on replacing Lewis Hamilton.
- Mercedes hoped to place Kimi Antonelli with Williams, but faced challenges.
- FIA adjusts rules allowing 17-year-olds in F1, suspected for Williams.
- Williams prefers Carlos Sainz over Antonelli despite regulatory changes.
- Logan Sargeant likely to be replaced before season ends.
Toto Wolff is in a tricky spot trying to find someone to fill Lewis Hamilton’s shoes at Mercedes. Ideally, Wolff wanted to place their academy driver, Kimi Antonelli, with Williams for a year. Unfortunately, finding a top-tier driver willing to sign with Mercedes for just one year is proving difficult.
At only 17, Antonelli was initially ineligible for F1, but a mysterious team, likely Williams, applied to the FIA to change regulations. This week, the FIA made an exception, modifying Article 13.1.2 of Appendix L. This means a driver showing exceptional skill and maturity in single-seater racing can now earn a Super Licence at 17.
Despite the regulatory change, Williams’ Team Principal, James Vowles, stated, ‘Williams’ priority is Carlos Sainz.’ So why push for the rule change? Speculation suggests Williams might still give Antonelli a shot in FP1 sessions before he turns 18 in August. Additionally, the FIA changed rules to let younger drivers participate in these sessions.
Given Williams’ aim to secure Sainz and their recent extension with Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant seems to be the one facing the axe. The American driver has struggled to score points, only managing to do so when disqualifications in Austin bumped him up.
Not everyone is pleased with the FIA’s decision. Ex-F1 driver Alexander Rossi voiced his displeasure, sarcastically commenting on social media, ‘Oh exceptions can be made, huh?’ Rossi referenced the case of Colton Herta, who failed to get a Super Licence despite special circumstances and COVID affecting the IndyCar seasons.
Adding to the debate, it’s pointed out that the F1 Super Licence system is stricter than it needs to be. Under current rules, even legends like Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen wouldn’t have qualified when they did. F2 drivers often move to IndyCar, seeing it as a better opportunity, despite the challenges and differing points distribution between the two series.
Nevertheless, we might see Antonelli in F1 soon, with many believing Williams will use him in FP1 sessions after he turns 18. This could pave the way for him to join Mercedes in 2025.
The chess pieces are moving swiftly in the F1 world, with young talents like Antonelli pushing for their break.
