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Max Verstappen slams 18 year age limit for F1 Super license

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Armaan Agarwal | Last updated 5/9/24

Max Verstappen took the sporting world by storm when he made his Formula 1 debut at the age of 17. F1’s sports governing body, the FIA sought to prevent such an instance in the future and put a minimum age limit of 18 on the F1 Super License. Now, with 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli waiting to get a chance to make his debut in the sport, Verstappen has criticized this limit.

Verstappen claimed that the system was not specifically against Kimi Antonelli. The reigning world champion claimed that the Super License system could prevent talents from making it to Formula 1. Recently, it was reported that Mercedes had asked the FIA to make an exception for Antonelli. Max Verstappen highlighted that even a very fast driver won’t be able to race in the sport if they are 17 or have only achieved 20 of the required 40 points.

It's not specific to him (Antonelli), but in some cases it can of course stop talents from keeping in Formula 1. Look, if someone is seventeen or eighteen and he has twenty points, but it is very fast. Then why can't he enter Formula 1? Max Verstappen said, as reported by RacingNews365

Verstappen pinpointed that a driver must first get the required 40 points to gain the Super License and be at the age of 18 or above. The Dutchman made it clear that he was not fond of this system. However, Max Verstappen affirmed that it was the FIA which decided that this process was appropriate for the pinnacle of motorsport.

They have to collect those 40 points first. I'm not a fan of that, of the whole system, but in the end the FIA must think it's okay. Max Verstappen asserted

Toto Wolff dismisses rumors of Kimi Antonelli F1 debut in 2024

Kimi Antonelli became Mercedes’ first choice for 2025 after Lewis Hamilton’s shock Ferrari move. The Italian driver has impressed team boss Toto Wolff in junior categories. So much so, that rumors emerged that Antonelli could replace Logan Sargeant at Williams mid-way through this season following the dispensation from the FIA.

Toto Wolff was asked about such a possibility recently. The Austrian billionaire made it clear that this would not happen. Wolff claimed that Silver Arrows was not looking to put Antonelli in the Williams this season. Moreover, the Mercedes team boss stated that the 17-year-old should complete his debut F2 campaign this season.

This is not going to happen. This is not something that Mercedes wants. These rumours have gotten their own spin. Let’s do Formula 2. Toto Wolff said, as reported by PlanetF1

Many claim that Kimi Antonelli could be the next Max Verstappen in Formula 1. The 17-year-old has shown glimpses of brilliance similar to the Dutch driver in his junior days. However, Mercedes must be careful before promoting Antonelli to an F1 seat as it could be make or break for the Italian driver.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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