Red Bull requests FIA superlicence exemption for Lindblad in F1

While Red Bull’s reserve drivers and junior talents are currently in the spotlight due to Max Verstappen’s 11 penalty points, it emerges that Red Bull submitted a request for a superlicence exemption for Arvid Lindblad.

It’s important to note that this request is not directly related to Verstappen’s penalty situation and was submitted well beforehand, as Helmut Marko has clarified as well.

According to information obtained by Autosport, Red Bull’s request will be discussed next week during the upcoming FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau.

Lindblad is currently competing in Formula 2 and meets all other requirements for a superlicence—the document required to take part in official F1 sessions. He has accumulated enough superlicence points in junior formulas, although drivers can formally receive it only once they turn 18.

This rule was introduced following Max Verstappen’s remarkably early F1 debut at the age of 17, when he didn’t yet have a driving licence. To prevent similar situations, the FIA implemented a minimum age as part of the superlicence system, which aspiring F1 drivers must now meet.

Following in Antonelli’s footsteps?

Last year, however, the door was slightly reopened for talents under 18, when Mercedes requested an exemption for Andrea Kimi Antonelli – similar to what Red Bull is doing now.

It led to a revision of the FIA International Sporting Code, specifically article 13.1.2. Appendix L now states: “At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Super Licence at the age of 17 years old.”

Since Lindblad has already earned enough points before his 18th birthday and currently sits third in the Formula 2 standings as a rookie – with two race wins, including the feature race in Barcelona – he appears to qualify under this clause.

The FIA will discuss Red Bull’s request next week, when it is on the agenda in Macau. If approved, Lindblad would be allowed to participate in F1 practice sessions and could even serve as a stand-in for one of the regular drivers.

This could offer Red Bull an extra option in the current situation. If Verstappen faces a suspension and Red Bull decides to promote one of the Racing Bulls drivers, Lindblad could theoretically replace either Isack Hadjar or Liam Lawson at the sister team.

In addition to Lindblad (if the FIA grants the exemption), Red Bull still has Ayumu Iwasa available as a reserve driver.

Lindblad turns 18 on 8 August, a few days after the Hungarian Grand Prix, meaning the British-Swedish driver would be eligible for his superlicence during the F1 summer break regardless.