LONDON : Lindblad, the British-Swedish prodigy currently racing in Formula 2 with Campos Racing, has become one of the youngest drivers ever to receive the coveted Super Licence. This unprecedented step comes just two months ahead of his 18th birthday, following a formal request submitted by Red Bull, his long-time backer.

The decision was made possible by a 2023 amendment to the FIA International Sporting Code, which allows the governing body to waive the minimum age of 18 if a driver is deemed to have “recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity” in single-seater competitions.

“The FIA received a request to grant a Super Licence to Arvid Lindblad prior to his 18th birthday,” the FIA World Motor Sport Council confirmed. “After reviewing the case, the Council found the driver met the new criteria and approved the request.”

Lindblad’s rise through the motorsport ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. After dominating in karting, he joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2021 and began collecting accolades in junior categories. A defining moment came in 2023 when he clinched the prestigious Macau F4 World Cup. In 2024, he placed fourth in the FIA Formula 3 Championship before advancing to F2, where he has already secured two race victories and a pole position—currently sitting third in the championship standings.

The new ruling follows a similar case involving Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli, who was also granted a Super Licence at 17 last year. The updated regulation no longer requires drivers to hold a valid driving licence—an obstacle that had previously delayed many young talents.

With the Super Licence in hand, Lindblad is now eligible to take part in official F1 race weekends—a giant leap for a teenager whose age still bars him from renting a car.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.