FIA Amends Annex for Antonelli's Free Practice

FIA reforms Superlicence protocols, enhancing Antonelli’s eligibility for immediate free practice participation.

The FIA has revised Appendix L of the International Sporting Code, which concerns licences, particularly the highly coveted Superlicence. Notably, the section on licences issued for participation in F1 free practice sessions has been altered in a way that seems designed to facilitate matters for Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Williams had filed a Superlicence application for the Italian driver, who is expected to join Mercedes F1 as a principal driver next year. However, the main hurdles were his age, as he is 17, and his lack of a driving licence. These issues are no longer relevant due to modifications to the International Sporting Code.

Article 13.2.2 has been removed. It previously stated that a driver “must hold a valid driving licence when applying for a Free Practice Superlicence for the first time.” Now, a driving licence is required only for the race Superlicence.

“At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver deemed to have recently and consistently demonstrated exceptional ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competitions may be granted a Free Practice Superlicence at the age of 17,” the regulation now states.

This paragraph is entirely new in Appendix L and appears tailor-made so the young driver can easily participate in free practice sessions this season, which would be the final step in a preparatory program.

With this, nothing stands in the way of him driving on Fridays from now on, whereas he would have had to wait until his 18th birthday on August 25, then obtain his driving licence and the authorization to apply for his Free Practice Superlicence.