Ex-F1 star Alexander Rossi exposes FIA HYPOCRISY over rule change

FIA Flag, Generic, Social — Photo: © IMAGO

Latest F1 News

Former F1 star exposes FIA HYPOCRISY

Alexander Rossi drove for Manor in Formula 1 in 2015

Kevin McKenna

Saturday 15 June 2024 12:57

An ex-Formula 1 driver has taken to social media in response to a decision made by the sport's governing body.

The FIA has updated its International Sporting Code, including a clause stating that, although the minimum age required for the superlicence required to drive in F1 is 18 years old, dispensation may be given in special circumstances.

F1 Headlines: Mercedes could replace Hamilton THIS season as Verstappen confirms talks over SHOCK move

Article continues under video

The news will come as a major boost to young hopeful Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who could now make his FP1 debut before his 18th birthday in August.

Currently representing Prema Racing in F2 alongside Ferrari Academy driver Oliver Bearman, the exciting Italian is already part of the Mercedes junior team, and has been strongly linked with the soon-to-be vacant seat at the Brackley-based outfit.

The 17-year-old has also been tipped to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams before the end of the season amid the American's struggles, although this prospect was previously denied by team boss James Vowles.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been tipped for big things in F1

Alexander Rossi now races in the IndyCar series

Rossi takes aim at F1 bosses

While the rule change will likely benefit Antonelli, a former F1 driver has hinted the decision is hypocritical in nature.

Alexander Rossi - who represented Manor in 2015 - was regarded as one of the sport's top prospects when he broke on to the F1 scene, but had to wait until turning 18 before being granted his superlicence, becoming the youngest driver ever to achieve the feat.

The American's stint in F1 didn't last long, however, opting instead to pursue a career in IndyCar, where he continues to race today.

The 32-year-old has now taken to X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting the disparity in treatment between himself and Antonelli.

He wrote: "Oh so exceptions can be made? Huh."