Young Red Bull star edges closer to F1 debut

Arvid Lindblad's chances of making his debut in F1 with Red Bull have been handed a huge boost, as the FIA have announced a verdict on his super licence application.

The British-Swedish racer has been given special dispensation to be able to race in F1 before his 18th birthday, following some brilliant performances in his first season in F2.

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Lindblad has already claimed two race victories in the feeder series, and that led to rumours that the 17-year-old may be set to compete in practice sessions later in 2025, either with Red Bull or their sister team Racing Bulls.

However, it was thought that this would not be able to happen due to Lindblad's tender age meaning he could not obtain a super licence. At the latest meeting of the FIA world motorsport council, however, they have decided that Lindblad be given a super licence before his 18th birthday, just as Kimi Antonelli was last year.

However, GPFans understands the super licence approval is not related to Verstappen’s potential one-race ban as the request was made during the middle of April, and Red Bull already have a plan in place for if Verstappen receives a ban.

"The FIA has received a request to grant a super licence to Arvid Lindblad prior to his 18th birthday," an official FIA statement read.

"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 and therefore approved the request."

Will Lindblad be allowed to compete in F1?

Just like Antonelli during the 2024 season, Lindbald can now take part in official practice sessions in the remainder of the 2025 season.

It means we may see the 17-year-old in either a Red Bull or a Racing Bull sooner rather than later, although he will seemingly have to wait his turn for a full grand prix debut.

Red Bull have already confirmed that, in the event of a Verstappen ban, either Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar would be promoted into the Red Bull seat for one race, while youngster Ayumu Iwasa would race in the Racing Bulls car.

However, the urgency to get Lindblad a super licence shows that Red Bull are wanting to blood the 17-year-old in F1 relatively soon, with Lindblad showing great promise.

Beginning to give him more opportunities in more senior series may also stop rival teams sniffing around his services.

For Lindblad, it's a huge boost of confidence that his performances in F2 are getting noticed, and he can now look forward to making his F1 debut.

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