The recent tweak to the International Sporting Code by FIA has caused quite a stir in the Formula 1 community. The new rule allows drivers as young as 17 to compete if they demonstrate exceptional skills and maturity in lower-level competitions, compared to the previous age requirement of 18 and other criteria.
This change, influenced by an unnamed Formula 1 team’s request, is exemplified by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a 17-year-old Mercedes Formula 2 protege. Antonelli, who meets the super license points criteria, could potentially become the youngest F1 driver since Max Vertappen’s debut at 17 in 2015.
The debate over fairness arises as talented drivers like Colton Herta face limitations due to super license point discrepancies. Critics question the consistency in evaluating talent across different motorsport disciplines.
According to FIA’s Appendix L, section 13.1, a 17-year-old may be granted a super license based on exceptional recent performance in single-seater Formula Car events.
When Herta sought to join the Formula One grid in 2023 with AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB), he was deemed ineligible for lacking the necessary super license points.
F1 journalist Will Buxton addressed the issue, highlighting the distinction between Antonelli and Herta’s situations. He underscored the complexities in the super license system and the different paths drivers follow to obtain them.
This disparity fuels a broader debate on how achievements are acknowledged in racing, with fans expressing frustration over what they perceive as unfair evaluation criteria. Some fans feel that drivers from series like IndyCar are undervalued in F1, calling attention to discrepancies in the points system.