The Grove team he would be willing to sacrifice Logan Sargeant and to make Kimi Antonelli debut in the next one Imola Grand Prix. A dream scenario for the Bolognese, who would make his debut 'at home' on a track where he recently shot with the 13 Mercedes W2022 for private tests with the same starred house.
The Italian, currently engaged in his debut season in F2 with the Prema team, is still a minor and could not compete in F1 until the end of August, but Mercedes and Williams are reportedly pushing for an exemption.
"The FIA has received a request and is examining it if Kimi Antonelli can make his debut in Imola” – declared the FIA in an official statement provided to the media – There is a process that must be followed for any potential rule change".
This is what transpires from the Miami paddock, extremely interesting but at the same time very risky news. Italian talent of the Mercedes Academy could write an important page in national motorsport, but the problem is that currently Antonelli has not reached the age of majority and until August 25th he could not, in theory, make his debut in Formula 1.
Williams, with the push of Mercedes, has therefore submitted a waiver to the FIA, recalling the precedent of Max Verstappen, whose debut occurred as a minor in 2016.
Debut in Imola for Antonelli? The statements after the tests with the Mercedes W12 and W13
Kimi Antonelli's debut in Imola may have been planned for a long time. After its first two days of testing in Spielberg, the Mercedes driver expressed himself thus:
“The first test behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car is an incredible experience. I enjoyed every second. On the first day it was not possible to respect the plans, the arrival of the snow made the track impassable, but fortunately the second day was much more favourable. The track became dry again and I was able to complete a good number of laps. I can say that it was very, very fun".
