Max Verstappen opens up about super licensing system of F1, calls it unnecessary

Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli is making headlines after Williams allegedly asked FIA to allow him to race before his 18th birthday. However, ahead of the final decision from the apex board Red Bull Racing's driver Max Verstappen slammed the super licencing system. 

Verstappen believes that this system might hinder talents like Antonelli from making early debuts in the Formula 1 grid. He said, "That rule was introduced because of me, of course. It’s not specifically about him, but this can stop some talents from getting into Formula 1 quickly because they have to accumulate those 40 points first."

"I’m not a big fan of it, of this entire system. The FIA thinks it’s good, but I’d rather not have it. If someone is 17 or 18 years old and has maybe 20 points, but if he is very fast, why can’t he get into Formula 1 then?", Verstappen told Motorsport.com. 

Why does Williams want Kimi Antonelli to race? 

Amid poor performances from Logan Sargeant, Williams is keen to replace its driver mid-season to earn some points. They are looking at Antonelli for the same. It's worth noting that The Italian driver cannot debut without FIA approval due to the introduction of the Super Licence system by the FIA and Formula 1 in 2016. 

According to the rules, Drivers must amass 40 points and be at least 18 years old to compete in a Grand Prix. This rule was implemented after Max Verstappen debuted at 17 years and 166 days, transitioning from European Formula 3 to Formula 1 way back in 2015.

Meanwhile, Toto Wolff, boss of Antonelli’s F1 team, denied Mercedes' request for dispensation. He also confirmed Formula 2 driver won't race in Imola. “Just 15 months ago, he was in an F4 car,” Wolff said. “We have great belief in Kimi, his abilities and also his future.

“But there is a trajectory which we need to follow with diligence, rather than trying to dream about jumping from series to series in a way that is certainly not beneficial for him.

“I think a champion is not going to be distracted by any of this. But certainly, at least it distracts me because everybody’s asking me: ‘What about Kimi and driving in Imola?

“This is not going to happen. This is not something that Mercedes wants. These rumours have gotten their spin. Let’s do Formula 2. We as a team have lots of other issues to resolve.”