FIA Grants Red Bull Junior Arvid Lindblad Early F1 Super Licence

The FIA has officially approved a request from Red Bull to grant its promising British junior driver, Arvid Lindblad, an F1 Super Licence before he reaches the standard minimum age of 18. Lindblad, who is currently competing in the Formula 2 championship, does not turn 18 until August 8, 2025. Under normal regulations, this would require him to wait until that date plus two additional months before being eligible for the mandatory licence required to compete in Formula 1. However, similar to a case involving Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli earlier this year, Red Bull utilized a specific clause within the FIA's International Sporting Code to petition for an exemption. This clause allows for exceptions based on a driver consistently demonstrating outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater competition. Meeting at the World Motor Sport Council in Macau, the FIA reviewed the information supporting Red Bull's request. They concluded that Lindblad met the criteria, citing his recent performance and consistent display of skill and maturity in his F2 campaign, thereby approving the early Super Licence. This approval means Lindblad can now serve as an additional reserve driver option for both the Red Bull Racing and RB Formula 1 teams two months sooner than anticipated. He will complement existing reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa, who currently races in Super Formula. Lindblad has been on a strong trajectory within the Red Bull driver programme, recently securing his first F2 Feature Race victory in Barcelona. He is currently positioned third in the competitive F2 championship standings, driving for Campos Racing. While some speculation might link this move to Max Verstappen approaching a potential race ban due to penalty points – a situation requiring him to avoid infractions at upcoming races – Red Bull's request for Lindblad's Super Licence predates Verstappen's most recent penalty points accrued in Barcelona and is understood not to be connected to the lead driver's current predicament. The early Super Licence facilitates the next steps in Lindblad's progression. He is expected to participate in several Free Practice 1 sessions with the Red Bull-affiliated teams over the coming months, building experience towards a potential graduation to Formula 1, possibly as early as the 2026 season.