Max Verstappen questions F1 age rule which blocks Kimi Antonelli debut
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Max Verstappen has criticised the FIA’s minimum age regulation which means Mercedes teen Kimi Antonelli cannot race in Formula 1 until late August. The Red Bull world champion made his F1 debut in 2015 as a 17-year-old, with team adviser Helmut Marko central to the Dutchman’s rapid progression up the ranks. If someone is 17 or 18 years old and maybe has 20 points, but if he is very fast, why can’t he get into Formula 1 then?” open image in gallery Max Verstappen made his F1 debut as a 17-year-old in 2015 open image in gallery Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli is not 18 until 25 August Antonelli has been linked with replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next year despite his inexperience. Verstappen made a rapid jump up the motorsport ranks, finishing third in European Formula 3 in 2014 straight to a F1 race seat in 2015, partnering Carlos Sainz at Red Bull’s sister team.