Red Bull junior driver Arvid Lindblad has officially been granted an FIA super licence exemption. Allowing him to be eligible for Formula 1 competition before his 18th birthday.
According to the FIA’s regulations, Lindblad and Red Bull would have to wait until he turned 18 to allow him to partake in an F1 session. However, Red Bull successfully received an early approval from the FIA. The team cited the same exceptional circumstances that allowed Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli to receive a similar exemption last year.
The FIA released an official statement on the matter. Emphasising that the 17-year-olds’ outstanding skill and maturity justified the exemption.
“The FIA has received a request to grant a Super Licence to Arvid Lindblad prior to his 18th birthday,” the FIA statement said.
“After considering the information presented in support of this request, the World Council found that the driver has recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition. Therefore approved the request.”
What’s next for Lindblad?
This exemption now allows Lindblad to serve as a reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Point. He will join Ayumu Iwasa in the role, bringing him one step closer to his Formula 1 dream.
This exemption comes as Lindblad continues to impress motorsport fans in Formula 2. Particularly as he became the youngest winner and podium sitter in Formula 2 over the past two weeks. This rookie season has been extremely strong for the British driver. He is also in good hands, with Campos Racing providing F1 and Racing Bulls with its latest rookie, Isack Hadjar.
It is yet to be announced if, or rather when, the young driver will partake in an official F1 session. In the meantime, Lindblad remains focused on the intense Formula 2 title fight.
