Arvid Lindblad earns his superlicence at the age of 17
The FIA has granted an F1 superlicense to Arvid Lindblad following Red Bull's application for an exemption. The Campos Racing F2 driver, and member of Red Bull's junior program, can now take part in Formula 1 free practice sessions and races before his 18th birthday in August. He becomes the second driver to benefit from this exemption after Kimi Antonelli in 2024.
The decision was announced at the World Motor Sport Council in Macau. Arvid Lindblad has officially received his F1 super license, two months before his 18th birthday scheduled for August. Red Bull can now call upon the British driver for free practice sessions or even a race, if the situation requires.
After reviewing the information presented, the World Council concluded that the driver has recently and consistently demonstrated exceptional ability and maturity in single-seater competition, stated the FIA release. The governing body is thus following the same logic as for Kimi Antonelli last year, using the exemption clause introduced in 2024.
Performances that argue in his favor
The Campos Racing driver continues to justify the trust placed in him. Currently third in the F2 championship with 79 points, he added another victory to his record at the recent Spanish Grand Prix. After becoming the youngest winner in the series’ history in Saudi Arabia, he repeated the feat in Barcelona during the main race, confirming his steady progression.
These results notably allowed Campos Racing to take the lead in the constructors’ standings, a first for the Spanish team. Lindblad had already crossed the 40-point threshold required for a super license by winning the Formula Regional Oceania championship in February.
A timing that is not insignificant
This validation comes as Max Verstappen is one penalty point away from an automatic suspension. The Dutchman must avoid any incidents during the Canadian and Austrian Grand Prix to prevent a race ban. Although Red Bull submitted this request well before Verstappen’s recent issues, Lindblad’s exemption offers an additional option for the Austrian team.
In case of suspension of the world champion, logical hierarchy would suggest that Isack Hadjar or Liam Lawson be promoted from Racing Bulls. Lindblad could then fill the gap left in the satellite team, alongside reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa.
Next steps
Red Bull plans to involve Lindblad in several free practice sessions in the coming months. The goal remains to graduate to F1 by 2026, but the early acquisition of this super license opens the door to an earlier arrival if circumstances require.
At 17, the Briton joins the very exclusive circle of drivers allowed to start in F1 before reaching adulthood. A privilege he must now turn into a concrete opportunity.
