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- 🏎️ Antonelli to benefit from FIA Rule Change
🏎️ Antonelli to benefit from FIA Rule Change
Jordan Williams
June 18, 2024
In this week’s email:
Antonelli to benefti from FIA Rule Change 📝
Doohan Eye 2025 F1 Race Seat at Alpine 👀
Mercedes Set to Upgrade Car for Spanish GP 🛠️
Antonelli Aims for F1 Practice Debut After FIA Rule Change 📝
Seventeen-year-old Italian racer Kimi Antonelli has impressed in his debut Formula 2 season with Prema. He is strongly linked to a future in Formula 1 with Mercedes. Potentially alongside George Russell in 2025.
Williams recently sought FIA approval for Antonelli to test F1 cars before turning 18. The rules previously required drivers to be 18 and hold a driving license. Which Antonelli cannot obtain in Italy until this August.
The FIA has since revised these rules, allowing drivers of exceptional ability and maturity, like Antonelli, to obtain a Super Licence at 17 at their discretion. This will likely pave the way for him to participate in FP1 sessions starting from the Spanish Grand Prix.
Mercedes, mindful of managing expectations plans to integrate Antonelli gradually. Beginning with FP1 outings rather than an immediate race seat. Despite his extensive testing experience with both Mercedes and Williams.
Doohan Eyes 2025 F1 Race Seat at Alpine 👀
Jack Doohan, Alpine's reserve is actively positioning himself for a race seat in 2025. Despite Esteban Ocon's impending departure, Doohan has made significant strides within the team.
He's been part of Alpine's setup since 2022. Participating in FP1 sessions and testing. Along with their simulator program and a 2022 car test series. His efforts have garnered respect within Alpine which has positioned Doohan as a credible candidate for a future F1 seat.
His youth and fresh perspective are seen as assets, complementing his undeniable speed. While experienced contenders like Valtteri Bottas are also in consideration, Doohan's commitment to improvement and his proactive approach may give him an edge. Ultimately, he sees this as his best shot at securing a coveted F1 race seat and is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit.
Mercedes to make upgrades to car for Spanish GP 🛠️
Mercedes delivered a standout performance in Montreal. Where George Russell secured pole position and finished third. However, the team believed they could have achieved better results given the exceptional performance of their W15 throughout the weekend. The introduction of a new front wing, coupled with recent upgrades shows progress in understanding their ground effect technology.
Team principal Toto Wolff noted significant strides in improving car performance since Imola, attributing these advancements to a broader range of changes beyond the visible upgrades. He highlighted the team's enhanced grasp of aerodynamics and overall performance.
Despite Russell's strong pace challenging rivals like Red Bull and McLaren, mistakes during the race hindered their final positions. Wolff viewed the weekend positively overall but acknowledged the team's ambition for further improvement. He remains optimistic about Mercedes' trajectory but recognizes the ongoing need for development to achieve consistent success in upcoming races.
Other things happening around F1: