Lindblad receives approval for F1 race debut.
Red Bull now has an additional option.
The FIA has significantly advanced Arvid Lindblad’s pathway to the Formula 1 grid. As the threat of a one-race suspension looms over Max Verstappen, F1's governing body on Tuesday reviewed a request from Red Bull to grant British-Swedish F2 talent Lindblad the necessary F1 credential. Currently sitting third in his rookie F2 season, Lindblad has already qualified for the super license based on the points system, but the FIA mandates that any eligible Formula 1 driver must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid road driver's license. He passed his driving test over the winter, but does not turn 18 until September.
"We are currently seeking an exemption from the FIA, similar to what (Kimi) Antonelli received," disclosed Red Bull F1 advisor Dr. Helmut Marko recently. A few days ago, it became known that the FIA would evaluate Red Bull's application on Tuesday. If Verstappen faces another FIA sanction leading to an additional penalty point on his super license this weekend in Canada, it’s possible that the four-time world champion could be forced to miss Red Bull's home grand prix in Austria. Marko stated that this would be a "catastrophe," yet Red Bull is compelled to create backup plans. Reports indicate the team might put either Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar in Verstappen’s car, although Lawson has already been reassigned for 2025, while Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer is urging Red Bull not to let Hadjar go too early.
"Please, don’t take this talent away from us too soon," Bayer is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick. "He should learn the ropes here until the end of 2026. Until then, we’ll have to keep him restricted!"
Aside from Lawson or Hadjar, Red Bull’s main reserve driver this season is Ayumu Iwasa, which could lead to an all-Japanese lineup (Iwasa and Yuki Tsunoda) at Red Bull Racing for the Austrian GP. However, Red Bull now has yet another option.
"The FIA has received a request to provide a super license to Arvid Lindblad before he turns 18," the FIA confirmed following Tuesday's meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Macau. "After evaluating the supporting information for this request, the World Council determined that the driver has recently and consistently exhibited exceptional ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition and thus approved the request."
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