The FIA International Sporting Code amendment now allows exceptional 17-year-old drivers to qualify for a super license. This has stirred up controversy. The decision is reportedly in favor of rising talent Kimi Antonelli. Interestingly, this decision sparked parallel discussions about American IndyCar driver Colton Herta. Despite notable achievements in the US, he lacked sufficient super license points for a Formula 1 transition.

Previously, the age requirement for drivers was 18. They established this limit after 17-year-old Max Verstappen‘s debut with Toro Rosso (now VCARB) in 2015. An anonymous request made with the FIA allegedly influenced the latest modifications. This reconsideration of the age rule has allowed Mercedes protégé Kimi Antonelli to debut in F1 this year. Reports suggest there is a possibility of him stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams during the ongoing season.

Kimi Antonelli or Colton Herta, who deserves the super license more?

Will Buxton explained on social media why he supports the change and criticized the FIA for not addressing inconsistencies in points systems across motorsport events. The F1 presenter also explained in brief why Antonelli is more eligible than Herta.

Buxton said: “Antonelli has already qualified for a superlicense by amassing enough points (without even racing F3 or F2) but until the reg change wasn’t old enough to use it.” Alternatively, “Herta has never amassed enough points to gain a superlicense.” This makes sense from a technical point of view.

Fans have pointed out that the point system is the root cause of the problem. This rebuttal also makes sense. Despite being urged to address the point system inconsistencies, the FIA has never attempted to amend it. A 16 or 17-year-old F2 driver can easily earn 40 points for a super license. While an IndyCar driver finds it challenging. This disparity in the points system prevented Colton Herta from obtaining a super license in 2019, despite being 18 years old at the time. Kimi Antonelli has already secured 40 points, facilitating the FIA’s adjustment of the ‘Verstappen Rule’ for his smooth debut.

The revised Appendix L now states: “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 license at the age of 17 years old.”

It is natural for fans to feel the emotions this intense sport offers at times. But this should not sway their minds into overlooking the technical aspects that make the sport what it is. What is fair to one is unfair to another, and that is the beauty of Formula 1. In the next days or weeks, one can expect some big announcements coming their way. Kimi Antonelli’s debut in F1 with Williams or not is going to be anticipated. Will fans be able to look beyond the FIA’s folly with Herta? Will these fans support Antonelli in his future endeavors? There are a few questions F1 will provide answers for with time. Until then, drop your thoughts in the comments.