Mercedes handed a major boost by the FIA in their pursuit of Lewis Hamilton's replacement

Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli, widely touted as Lewis Hamilton's replacement, might make his F1 debut later this year after the FIA's landmark decision to reduce the minimum age required for a driver to enter the sport. The F2 driver is the favorite to replace Hamilton in the 2025 season, especially due to his ties with team principal Toto Wolff and the Mercedes junior program.

However, several reports have claimed that Antonelli might make his debut as early as 2024 after the Williams F1 team has allegedly asked for a distinction from the governing body for the Italian driver.

The 17-year-old wasn't eligible to make an F1 start as the FIA Super Licence requires a driver to be over 18 years of age to take part at the pinnacle of motorsport. The rule was introduced in late 2014 when it was announced that Max Verstappen, who was 17 years old back then, would debut with Toro Rosso in the 2015 season.

But as per Motorsport.com, FIA has updated Appendix L of its International Sporting Code stating that the minimum required age to enter the sport remains at 18 but special distinction could be given to drivers for the FP1 session. They said:

"At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Super Licence at the age of 17 years old."

The ruling could allow Kimi Antonelli to take part in the FP1 session for either Mercedes or Williams F1 before his 18th birthday on 25 August.

Lewis Hamilton chimes in on Kimi Antonelli replacing him at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton has stated that he is on board with the idea of having the Italian as his replacement at the German team and has advised them to do the same.

He told the media in Imola last month (via Autosport):

"Carlos is a great driver, so I think wherever he goes I think he would be a positive for any team. Honestly, I have no idea what Toto's plans are, but for me, taking on a youngster, if it was my role, I would probably take on Kimi."

While speaking with Sky Sports in Canada, former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve also stated that he was certain Antonelli would take Lewis Hamilton's place due to Toto Wolff's 'ego', saying:

"Toto Wolff will not accept any other solution than Antonelli. The door has closed there. This is now Antonelli’s team for the future. He has been preparing for this for years. Toto Wolff’s ego also played a big role in his decision to choose Antonelli.

"He wants to prove to the world that it was right to bet on the young Italian when he was only twelve years old. He wants to show that he already saw the future world champion in him back then.”

Although, neither Mercedes nor Antonelli has made any official statements regarding their future in F1 and the latter replacing Lewis Hamilton in 2025.