Former F1 driver hits out at FIA after making 'exception' for rule change
The FIA recently announced that 17 year old drivers can now qualify for a super license, and the rule change has not gone down well with everyone in the motorsport world.
Alexander Rossi has fanned the flames of controversy with his comments on the FIA's decision to lower the super license age to 17, leading to a fiery conversation. The rule shift has received criticism from numerous fronts, including F1 enthusiasts who aired their concerns about perceived bias towards young Italian racers making waves in the sport.
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The global governing body for motorsport, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), recently updated its International Sporting Code permitting drivers as young as 17 to qualify for a super license. This amendment is laid out in Section 13.1 of Appendix L which states:
"The driver must be at least 18 years old at the start of the event of his first F1 competition. At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a super licence at the age of 17 years old."
Upon discovering the change, Rossi broadcast his reaction on social media platform X, succinctly tweeting: "So, exceptions can be made? Huh."
The comment fuelled discussion regarding the fairness of the FIA's treatment of its drivers, inviting fans to join the debate and share their thoughts. One fan responding to Rossi mused, "The rules can be twisted if you came through their system," while another added, "He's Italian, come on. The rules aren't meant to keep Europeans out."
Many fans have joined Rossi's corner, with one commenting, "Rules are meant to keep out American drivers, but they love making races here and doing money grabs."
Rossi's fellow IndyCar driver, Colton Herta, has had his F1 dreams stalled by struggles acquiring the necessary points to gain a super license and be eligible to drive in F1. The age limit was previously raised to 18 after Max Verstappen's rapid rise to Toro Rosso at just 17, prompting the FIA to impose a standardised entry age for Formula 1.
The latest change comes on the heels of an unnamed F1 team's request to reconsider the age criteria. Speculation among F1 aficionados is rife that the FIA's adjustment to the super license age requirements was in response to a push from Mercedes.
It is widely suggested that the move was designed to pave the way for 17-year-old Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli to join the Formula 1 ranks before his 18th birthday on August 25.
Antonelli has been turning heads with his exceptional talent and poise, particularly in Formula 4. His trophy cabinet is brimming with accolades, including prestigious titles like the Italian F4 Championship and ADAC Formula 4 Championship with Prema.
Moreover, Antonelli has triumphed in the 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship with Mumbai Falcons and seized victory in the 2023 Formula Regional European Championship with Prema. He has been part of the Mercedes Junior Team since 2019, marking him as a rising star in the racing world.
The young Italian driver has taken over from Frederik Vesti and is now competing in Formula 2 with the Prema team. Despite having completed five races this season, he has not yet clinched a win and currently holds the sixth position in the F2 standings with 48 points. Prema Racing presently occupies the sixth spot in the team standings with 66 points.