FIA Grants Arvid Lindblad Super Licence Ahead of 18th Birthday
The FIA has approved Red Bull Racing’s request for Arvid Lindblad to receive a super licence before he turns 18, allowing him to serve as an F1 reserve driver starting two months ahead of his birthday on August 8, 2025. This exemption, similar to one granted to Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli last year, was approved at the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau.
The FIA stated, “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.”
Currently competing in Formula 2 with Campos Racing, Lindblad recently achieved his first feature race victory in Spain and ranks third in the championship standings. His new status enables him to complement Red Bull’s existing reserve driver, Ayumu Iwasa, who races in Super Formula.
This strategic move comes as reigning world champion Max Verstappen faces potential grid penalties, emphasizing Lindblad’s timely addition to the team. Red Bull’s request for Lindblad predates Verstappen’s recent penalty points accrued in Barcelona.
Lindblad is expected to participate in several Free Practice 1 sessions in the coming months, paving his path toward a possible 2026 debut in F1.
