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.
Not sure how I feel about it. Felt arbitrary to block capable 17 year olds, but carving out the special exemption now feels wrong. What’s stopping them from changing things again and flipflopping back and forth?