Red Bull junior driver Arvid Lindblad has been granted an FIA superlicence via a special exemption, the licence enabling him to compete in Formula 1.
Lindblad, who is currently third in the Formula 2 championship standings, was subject of a request by the Milton Keynes-based squad last week.
Despite having earned enough points to obtain the licence, the British youngster is, at 17, deemed a year too young to be given one.
But the sport’s governing body have given special permission to him and Red Bull, at a meeting of the World Motorsport Council in Macau.
A statement from the FIA said: “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.”
This means that Lindblad can now be called upon to drive for either Red Bull or sister outfit Racing Bulls in free practice sessions, and with speculation around a potential reshuffle within its ranks, it is plausible he could be required to race.
Lindblad, will now be allowed to participate in the remaining eight FP1 sessions, split between the two Red Bull squads, that must be given to rookies, as per the FIA’s new rules.
Lindblad has impressed in a meteoric rise in motorsport. Having finished last year’s Formula 3 season in fourth with Prema, Lindblad was signed up by Campos Racing for F2 this season, and has already taken two victories, in the Jeddah Sprint and the Feature Race last time out in the Barcelona.
After his Spain success, he told media, when asked by Motorsport Week, that he credited Formula E title-leader Oliver Rowland with guidance and encouragement throughout his career, in his role of mentor.
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