The FIA has added a clause to the Sporting Code, lowering the F1 superlicence age to 17 in individual cases. Special dispensation may be granted if they have “consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition.” A normal drivers license is not required anymore. Paving the way for Antonelli to make his debut before he turns 18 should the opportunity arise.
What’s the fuzz about Antonielli anyways? He’s currently 6th in the F2 and has yet finish on the podium. That’s respectable, but doesn’t look like the next Verstappen. From the current grid, Leclerc, Russel, Hamilton, Norris, Piastri, Hülkenberg and possibly some others all had far more impressive rookie seasons in F2/GP2
Antonelli made a significant step from FRECA to F2, which is huge in terms of engine, tires, car setup complexity, and many other aspects. It’s unrealistic to expect him to dominate F2. What’s important is that he’s outperforming his teammate, who had a strong F1 race replacing Sainz in Saudi Arabia. That impresses me.
As outsiders, we’re unaware of how Antonelli works with engineers, his mental capabilities, and how his team rates him and why. There are many factors we don’t know or understand. I’d like to see an analysis of his driving style from an experienced racing driver, as regular viewers like us can’t spot the subtle details that distinguish exceptional drivers from the rest.
In any case, don’t judge Antonelli solely on his current results. Especially, avoid comparing him to drivers who had much more experience before debuting in GP2.
Reality enters the chat.