Max Verstappen believes that the FIA, Formula 1's governing body, should not obstruct the immediate entry of 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli into the sport.
It has recently been revealed that a team—likely the Mercedes-powered Williams—has requested special permission from the FIA to allow Antonelli to start racing before his 18th birthday in late August.
Verstappen, who began his F1 career at 17 back in 2015, pointed out that the current minimum age requirement of 18 was "introduced because of me."
The FIA also stipulates that drivers must accumulate 40 points through various lower racing categories to be eligible for a Formula 1 super license. Verstappen himself wouldn't have met this requirement when he debuted; however, Antonelli has already secured the necessary 40 points.
"Ultimately, the rule does not prevent what it is intended to do," stated Verstappen, now 26, in a discussion with motorsport-total.com.
"It's not specifically about Antonelli, but it could prevent some talents from getting into Formula 1 quickly, because they first have to collect the 40 points. I'm not a big fan of it - of this whole system," he confessed.
"If someone is 17 or 18 years old and has maybe 20 points but is very fast, why shouldn't he get into Formula 1?"
