Meet Arvid Lindblad who was granted an F1 Super Licence at just 17

Dubai: Imagine getting a racing licence before you're even legally allowed to drive on public roads. That’s now a reality for Arvid Lindblad, the 17-year-old British-Swedish sensation who has been granted a Formula 1 Super Licence — two months before his 18th birthday.

Lindblad, currently in his rookie Formula 2 season with Campos Racing, has already made headlines with two race victories and a pole position, placing him third in the Drivers’ Championship standings. Recognising his exceptional performance and maturity, Red Bull — Lindblad’s long-time supporter — submitted a special request to the FIA to waive the age restriction typically required for a Super Licence.

Until recently, FIA regulations mandated that drivers be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence to be eligible for either a Super Licence or a Friday practice Super Licence. However, a rule change in the FIA International Sporting Code last year removed the requirement for a valid driving licence and introduced a new clause:

“At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Super Licence at the age of 17.”

This rule adjustment paved the way for Lindblad’s early approval, making him one of the youngest drivers ever to receive the prestigious licence — and eligible to participate in an official F1 race weekend.

He follows in the footsteps of Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli, who obtained his Super Licence last year at 17, despite not having passed his road driving test until early 2025.

“The FIA has received a request to grant a Super Licence to Arvid Lindblad prior to his 18th birthday,” the FIA World Motor Sport Council confirmed in a statement. “After considering the information presented in support of this request, the 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.”

Lindblad’s meteoric rise began in karting and accelerated when he joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2021. He impressed in junior categories and made a mark by winning the prestigious Macau F4 World Cup at the end of 2023. In 2024, he finished fourth in his sole FIA Formula 3 season before stepping up to F2.

With a Super Licence now in hand, Lindblad is one step closer to his dream of racing in Formula 1 — a remarkable achievement for someone who’s not yet old enough to rent a car.