F1 team boss in driver DENIAL amid mid-season replacement rumours

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that his team have not requested that the FIA grant Andrea Kimi Antonelli an early super licence.

Rumours have been circulating that Antonelli - a junior driver at Mercedes - could be on the grid sooner than expected.

READ MORE: Blueprint submitted to F1 and FIA for THREE new teams

Originally tipped to be in contention for the vacant 2025 Mercedes seat, last week it emerged that Antonelli could replace Logan Sargeant at Williams, who Mercedes supply engines to, as early as the Imola Grand Prix this month.

Sargeant has struggled in his second season at Williams, and suffered further torment in his home race in Miami when a collision with Kevin Magnussen ended his race.

Antonelli would need special dispensation to acquire a super licence and race in Formula 1 as he is only 17 years old; 18 is the minimum age to drive F1 cars.

READ MORE: Sky F1 presenter escapes injury after near miss with Hamilton’s car

Wolff distances Mercedes after FIA confirm request

Williams boss James Vowles said that the Italian youngster will not be in the car in Imola.

The FIA, however, have confirmed that they received a request to grant Antonelli special dispensation for a super licence before his 18th birthday in August.

READ MORE: McLaren release Donald Trump statement after SHOCK Miami GP visit

Now, Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz has revealed that Mercedes are not behind this.

He said on his 'Notebook' show: “I asked Toto [Wolff] about this and he said, ‘No, we have not asked’.

“I don’t think he was playing with words here, [as in] ‘we have not asked the FIA give Kimi Antonelli a super licence' which would enable him of course, to race in Formula 1, for what team we don’t know, this year, before his 18th birthday in late August.

Kravitz added: “So, I don’t know where that story has come from, but it has been denied by Toto Wolff”.

READ MORE: Lando Norris: 10 things you may not know about the F1 race winner

Related

Lewis Hamilton

Shock Hamilton contract revelation emerges as champion tipped to sign with RIVAL

• Yesterday 20:57

Latest F1 News

Powerful Hamilton statement issued as shock plans announced

• December 20, 2024 18:57