Motor racing-FIA ditches 'Verstappen rule' and opens door for Antonelli

FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 - 30th Anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death - Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy - May 1, 2024 Formula Two driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is seen during the ceremony on the 30th Anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini/File Photo

(Reuters) - Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli could make an appearance in Formula One before he turns 18 after the governing FIA modified licence age limits that have been in place since Max Verstappen debuted at 17 in 2015.

Antonelli is tipped to replace Ferrari-bound seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes at the end of the season but has also been linked to Logan Sargeant's seat at Williams.