ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI’S hopes of being promoted to Mercedes’ Formula 1 driver line-up have been handed a major boost.

The FIA announced today that it has reduced the minimum age restriction to 17 years old.

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Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025Credit: Getty

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Wonderkid Andrea Kimi Antonelli could take his seat at MercedesCredit: Getty
The governing body will allow teens of that age to race in Formula One if they have “consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition”.

Antonelli has long been expected to take the vacant Mercedes seat for 2025 to partner George Russell at the team.

There is a space on the grid available as Lewis Hamilton is departing for Ferrari.

The seven-time world champion has signed a mega £100m two-year deal.