Mercedes Credit
James Vowles, the Team Principal of Williams, has dismissed rumors that Andrea Kimi Antonelli could make his Formula 1 debut with the team at Imola. Speculation arose when it was revealed that an application had been submitted to the FIA requesting an exemption for Antonelli to compete in F1 before turning 18 in August. Although Antonelli has the necessary 40 points for an FIA Super License, his age currently violates F1 regulations. Antonelli, who is currently competing in his first season in Formula 2, has already tested F1 cars for Mercedes in Austria and Imola. According to RACER, the application to the FIA was not made by Mercedes, but rather by Vowles, possibly indicating a desire to replace underperforming driver Logan Sargeant. As it stands, Antonelli would be eligible to race in F1 from the Italian Grand Prix in September, but a waiver of the minimum age requirement could expedite his debut. However, Vowles, who previously worked at Mercedes, has denied rumors that Sargeant will be replaced in Miami. Vowles stated that Williams is currently evaluating drivers for the 2025 and 2026 seasons and is looking for the right driver pairing for the upcoming regulation changes. The FIA has acknowledged the request for an exemption but stated that a stakeholders’ vote must be respected in this matter. Antonelli has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the vacant Mercedes seat that will be left by Lewis Hamilton when he moves to Ferrari next season.