The FIA is preparing to discuss a regulatory exemption that could open the doors of F1 to Arvid Lindblad, a rising star from the Red Bull junior program currently racing in Formula 2, and who could become Max Verstappen’s replacement, now more than ever at risk of suspension.
During the extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), scheduled next week in Macau, one of the agenda items will be the exemption request submitted by Red Bull to allow Lindblad to obtain an FIA super licence before turning 18.
A potential emergency option for Red Bull in case of Verstappen suspension
Although Lindblad has already reached and surpassed the 40-point threshold required for the super licence (thanks to his results in Formula Regional Oceania, FIA F3 and F4), the current regulations impose a minimum age limit of 18 years.
However, Article 13.1.2 of Appendix L of the International Sporting Code allows for an exemption at the FIA’s discretion for drivers who have “recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater competitions.”
The context speeding up the evaluation of this request is the disciplinary situation involving Max Verstappen: the Dutchman has accumulated 11 penalty points out of a maximum 12 over the past 12 months. One more infraction in the next two Grands Prix (Canada or Austria) would result in an automatic one-race suspension.
In that case, Red Bull could promote Arvid Lindblad as an emergency reserve, possibly alongside Ayumu Iwasa or by shifting Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar, who are currently with Racing Bulls.
Despite being in his debut season in F2, Arvid Lindblad is currently third in the standings and has already demonstrated steady and mature pace on track. Having already met the points requirement places him in a strong position regardless of his final result in the championship.
The FIA’s decision could arrive by the end of June, just before Max Verstappen’s first penalty points are set to expire.
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