Lindblad soon in F1? FIA to examine Red Bull’s application for superlicence exemption

Arvid Lindblad could well become the next Red Bull phenomenon in Formula 1. According to The Race, the FIA is set to rule on an exemption request allowing the 17-year-old British driver to obtain his super license before reaching the required age. The decision could be made during the extraordinary general assembly and the World Motor Sport Council conference scheduled in Macau from June 10 to 13.

The young prodigy from Campos Racing in Formula 2 will only turn 18 in August, but Red Bull already sees him as a driver of the future. The team led by Christian Horner submitted a request to the FIA several months ago, hoping to have Lindblad as a reserve driver.

The previous Antonelli paves the way

Red Bull relies on the recent example of Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes. Indeed, the Italian benefited last year from a similar exemption thanks to clause 13.1.2 of the FIA International Sporting Code, introduced in June 2024. This provision allows exceptional 17-year-old drivers to obtain their super license before the usual age limit set at 18 years.

Last March, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, spoke about this request: « We have Ayumu Iwasa as a reserve driver. Lindblad has the points for the super license. We also conducted a 300 km test with him in a Formula 1 car at Imola, so he could theoretically step in. » The Austrian had then confirmed that Lindblad already had the 40 points required to qualify for an F1 super license.

« Antonelli got it too. We see no reason why it shouldn’t be the same for Lindblad », Marko had specified.

A young talent making a name for himself in F2

The arguments are plentiful to justify this exemption request. Lindblad has showcased strong performances this season in Formula 2 with two remarkable victories. In April, he became the youngest winner in the series history by winning the sprint race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, at just 17 years old.

The consecration came at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he first secured his first pole position, becoming the youngest poleman in F2 history, before brilliantly winning the main race in Barcelona. These results propelled him to third place in the championship with 79 points.

His journey in junior categories is also impressive. Fourth in Formula 3 last year with victories at Silverstone, Barcelona, and Sakhir, he then dominated the Formula Regional Oceania championship this winter. This victory notably allowed him to surpass the threshold of 40 points required for a super license.

On obtaining these valuable points that have now opened the door to F1 for him, Lindblad said earlier in the season: « Of course, it’s nice to have the super license, it’s kind of a bonus but it’s never really something I’ve thought about. For me, it’s one of those things that, if you perform in your series or category, comes naturally as a result of that. »

A well-timed opportunity.

This premature superlicense could quickly prove useful for Red Bull, particularly with the current situation of Max Verstappen. Indeed, the four-time world champion is just one point away from an automatic one-race suspension penalty, after his controversial clash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. With points not disappearing from his license until the end of June, Verstappen must avoid any incidents during the next two races in Canada and Austria.

In the event of the suspension of the Dutch driver, Red Bull would naturally have to draw from its pool of drivers. The most logical option would be to promote the young Frenchman, Isack Hadjar, from Racing Bulls, then choosing between Iwasa and Lindblad to replace him at the sister team.

« I want to be world champion »

For his part, Lindblad fully embraces his goals in F1: “I want to be Formula 1 world champion,” he recently stated to Sky Sports F1. When questioned about Max Verstappen’s uncertain future at Red Bull, which could hasten his arrival in the top category, the Campos driver responded: “He has already indicated in the media that he doesn’t want to race for much longer. Today, he is at a point where he will decide himself when to stop. No one can take his seat from him.”

I focus on myself and my journey. I want to have a good year in F2, and I hope to be in Formula 1 in 2026, then we’ll see what happens. It’s a strange dynamic. You work long to try to get there, and then it’s a very different thing when you are there, so I don’t even think about it, he added. His words reflect the pragmatism of the young driver. Indeed, he has no illusions and understands that the doors to F1 will open through performance and team decisions.

In any case, the current results of Arvid Lindblad in F2 speak in his favor. His two victories have also allowed Campos Racing to take the lead in the constructors’ standings, a historic first for the Spanish team.

The decision of the FIA regarding this exemption could therefore be a game-changer for the Campos driver. At 17 years old, the Briton could join the very exclusive group of drivers allowed to start in F1 before reaching majority, a group that now includes Kimi Antonelli and finds its origins in the very early arrival of Max Verstappen, at a time when the rules were still different.