In a groundbreaking decision that could reshape the future of Formula 1 driver line-ups, the FIA World Motor Sport Council granted an early FIA Super Licence to the 17-year-old Formula 2 sensation Arvid Lindblad on June 10, 2025. This exceptional dispensation allows Lindblad to participate in Formula 1 race weekends and free practice sessions despite not yet having reached the usual minimum age of 18.
The move follows a 2024 amendment to the FIA International Sporting Code, which now permits the governing body to grant a Super Licence to drivers aged 17 who have "recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition." Previously, drivers had to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence to qualify. This change paved the way for Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli to earn a Super Licence last year before his 18th birthday, and Lindblad is now the latest prodigy to benefit from the rule revision.
Red Bull Racing, recognizing Lindblad’s extraordinary talent and potential, submitted the request for this special exemption weeks prior to the FIA's June 10 decision. The 17-year-old British-Swedish driver, a member of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2021, has amassed the mandatory 40 Super Licence points through an impressive junior career and a stellar rookie Formula 2 campaign.
Lindblad's rapid ascent began with his single-seater debut in 2022 in the Italian F4 Championship, where he quickly showcased his racing prowess. In 2023, he finished third in Italian F4 and fourth in the Euro 4 Championship, also clinching victory at the prestigious Macau F4 World Cup—a race that was granted World Cup status after his win. The FIA now awards two Super Licence points for winning this event, further emphasizing its importance in the driver development ladder.
His breakthrough came in 2024 during his sole season in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing. There, Lindblad won the season-opening sprint race in Bahrain and became the youngest feature race winner in F3 history with a triumph in Barcelona. He made history again by achieving a double victory at Silverstone, the first ever in F3, finishing the year as the highest-scoring rookie and fourth overall in the championship.
Stepping up to Formula 2 in 2025 with Campos Racing, Lindblad has continued his impressive form. Sitting third in the Drivers’ Championship with 79 points, he trails the leader Alex Dunne by just eight points. Lindblad has already claimed two race victories this season: the Jeddah Sprint, where he became the youngest-ever F2 race winner, and the Barcelona Feature Race. Additionally, he secured a pole position, further cementing his status as a frontrunner in the highly competitive field.
The FIA's official statement from the World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau highlighted Lindblad’s "recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition," which was the key factor in approving the early Super Licence. This endorsement not only recognizes his talent but also opens the door for him to participate in the remaining eight Formula 1 free practice one (FP1) sessions allocated to rookies this season, split between Red Bull Racing and their sister team, Racing Bulls.
Red Bull’s faith in Lindblad is evident. Team Principal Christian Horner has described him as a "very exciting young talent," and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko labeled him "outstanding" at the end of last year. With Red Bull facing challenges in their F1 driver line-ups throughout 2025—Liam Lawson was demoted to Racing Bulls after just two races, and Yuki Tsunoda has struggled to find form—Lindblad’s early Super Licence could prove crucial.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s reigning world champion, currently teeters on the edge of a race ban after accumulating penalty points following a collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. With Verstappen just one penalty point away from suspension heading into the Canadian Grand Prix and the Austrian race, Lindblad’s eligibility provides Red Bull with a valuable contingency plan. Should Verstappen be banned, the team might opt to promote Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls to Red Bull Racing, allowing Lindblad a less pressured debut at Racing Bulls before returning to Formula 2.
Lindblad’s early Super Licence also grants Red Bull the flexibility to run him in Formula 1 free practices, providing invaluable experience behind the wheel of an F1 car over the course of the season. This hands-on exposure is expected to prepare Lindblad for a potential full-time promotion to Formula 1 in 2026, especially if Lawson and Tsunoda continue to underperform.
Beyond his on-track achievements, Lindblad credits Formula E title leader Oliver Rowland for mentorship and guidance throughout his career, underscoring the importance of strong support networks in nurturing young talent. Lindblad’s rapid rise from karting to the cusp of Formula 1 is a testament to his skill, maturity, and the strategic nurturing by Red Bull’s driver development program.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Lindblad to see how he leverages this unprecedented opportunity. His Super Licence not only marks a personal milestone but also signals a potential shift in how young drivers transition into Formula 1, challenging traditional age norms and emphasizing talent and readiness over age alone.
For Red Bull, Lindblad represents the future—a highly skilled, mature, and determined driver ready to step into the spotlight when called upon. Whether that happens this season or next, the motorsport world is watching closely as this teenage prodigy prepares to make his mark on the pinnacle of racing.
