Overview

• On June 10, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council approved Lindblad’s super licence under a revised rule that permits exceptional 17-year-olds to qualify ahead of their 18th birthday.
• Lindblad, currently third in the Formula 2 standings with two victories, cleared the 40-point threshold through wins in Formula Regional Oceania and other junior series.
• The exemption lets him fulfil mandatory Friday practice sessions for Red Bull and its sister Racing Bulls team, satisfying F1’s rookie practice mandate.
• Red Bull submitted the exemption request weeks ahead to shore up its driver options as Max Verstappen sits one penalty point from an automatic one-race suspension.
• Joining reserve Ayumu Iwasa, Lindblad strengthens Red Bull’s backup lineup and could feature in FP1 sessions before targeting a full-time F1 seat in 2026.