'Next Max Verstappen' gets super license before 18th birthday and can now drive in F1!

Red Bull have applied for a super license for the Formula 2 driver some weeks ago, as they are rapidly preparing the youngster called the 'best talent at Red Bull' by top advisor Helmut Marko.

"The FIA has received a request to grant a Super Licence to Arvid Lindblad prior to his 18th birthday. 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," the motorsport revealed their verdict.

The Briton already earned enough points for his super license last winter at the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, where he claimed the title, but was not 18, therefore he did not automatically receive one.

Lindblad is currently in third place in F2 standings, eight points behind McLaren junior Alex Dunne, and won the Sprint Race in Saudi Arabia and the Feature Race in Barcelona.

Lindblad will turn 18 on 8 August, but he can now start driving in F1. This will mainly involve FP1 performances for Racing Bulls. At the moment, it is not expected that Lindblad would replace one of the regular Red Bull or Racing Bulls drivers.

With Max Verstappen being a single point away from a race ban, it was suggested the youngster could make his debut if the Dutchman was suspended.

However, the Austrians a different plan, as was announced this week. Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar would replace Verstappen in that case and Ayumu Iwasa would step in at Racing Bulls. Lindblad can continue to develop in F2, ahead of a possible F1 debut in 2026.

According to former driver and former steward Johnny Herbert, the next Red Bull gem is the current Campos Racing driver, and he could be better than Verstappen.

The rule that a driver must be older than 18-years-old was introduced after Verstappen's debut in the competition. Lindblad now became the first driver to be given an exception.