FIA force Red Bull star to complete mandatory t…read more
In a recent development ahead of the 2025 British Grand Prix, the FIA has confirmed that young racing talent Arvid Lindblad, a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, has successfully completed a mandatory test that qualifies him for participation in an official Formula 1 session. This move comes after the FIA granted the 17-year-old a rare exemption to acquire his superlicence ahead of the usual minimum age requirement of 18.
Lindblad, who is currently making waves in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, will step into the AlphaTauri (now known as Visa Cash App RB) cockpit during Free Practice 1 (FP1) at Silverstone this weekend. He will be temporarily replacing regular driver Yuki Tsunoda for the session. The opportunity marks Lindblad’s first taste of Formula 1 action on a Grand Prix weekend and is a significant milestone in his rapidly progressing career.
Typically, the FIA mandates that drivers must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for a superlicence – the essential credential required to participate in official F1 events. However, in exceptional cases, special permission can be granted, particularly if a driver demonstrates extraordinary talent and competence. Lindblad’s strong performances in the junior categories evidently convinced the governing body that he was ready for the step up, even if only for a single session.
This strategic move aligns with Red Bull’s tradition of grooming young drivers through real-time F1 exposure. Over the years, the Red Bull Junior Programme has been a breeding ground for some of Formula 1’s biggest names, including four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and current reigning champion Max Verstappen, who himself debuted in F1 at the age of 17 under similar regulatory conditions.
This FP1 outing provides Lindblad a chance to showcase his skills on a global stage, offering invaluable experience and insight into the workings of a Formula 1 team at a live Grand Prix event. While he won’t be racing during the main event, his participation in the practice session will be closely monitored by team bosses, talent scouts, and F1 enthusiasts alike.
As the motorsport world turns its attention to Silverstone, all eyes will be on how the young Brit handles the pressure and adapts to the demands of a Formula 1 car. His performance could well influence future opportunities within the Red Bull racing hierarchy.
