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Sargeant crashes during FP1 at Suzuka

SHOCKING F1 driver replacement news 'leaked' by embarrassed announcer

Sargeant crashes during FP1 at Suzuka — Photo: © IMAGO

SHOCKING F1 driver replacement news 'leaked' by embarrassed announcer

He appeared to confirm a rumour that has been circulating in the F1 paddock of late

Originally written by GPFans Staff. This version is a translation.

A commentator appears to have 'leaked' the news that Kimi Antonelli will soon become a Formula 1 driver for Williams.

Antonelli - a junior driver at Williams' engine supplier Mercedes - was previously a name touted for the vacant 2025 Mercedes seat after Lewis Hamilton announced his departure to Ferrari.

READ MORE: Surprize F1 team in contention to sign Sainz after crunch discussions

But in recent weeks, rumours that the 17-year-old was being lined up to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams mid-season have circulated.

The FIA confirmed that they have received a request to grant Antonelli special dispensation for the super license he would need to race in F1 before his 18th birthday.

Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli has been tipped for a Williams seat
Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli has been tipped for a Williams seat
Logan Sargeant's seat appears to be at risk mid-season
Logan Sargeant's seat appears to be at risk mid-season

A slip of the tongue spills the secret?

"Andrea [Kimi] Antonelli... the soon to be announced- uhh actually I won't finish that sentence," the commentator said during a safety car period.

Whether the commentator does have any inside information or not, the hesitation certainly sounded like he had said something he should not have.

At the Miami Grand Prix, Williams boss James Vowles ruled out the possibility of Antonelli racing for the team in Imola.

READ MORE: Cullen drops IndyCar future hint after star driver link-up

Related

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Williams Logan Sargeant Kimi Antonelli

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