Overview

• The FIA World Motor Sport Council in Macau granted an exemption under a new rule allowing exceptional 17-year-olds to hold a super licence
• Lindblad has claimed two Formula 2 victories this season and met the 40-point qualification threshold through success in F3 and the Formula Regional Oceania series
• His clearance permits participation in Friday free practice sessions and designates him as an official reserve driver for both Red Bull’s senior squad and its Racing Bulls team
• Max Verstappen sits one penalty point from an automatic one-race ban, making Lindblad an immediate fallback option for the Red Bull driver lineup
• Lindblad is widely regarded as a leading candidate for a full-time Racing Bulls seat in 2026 following his rapid ascent through the junior formula ranks