Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad is set to do a full Formula 1 test session at Imola as he prepares for a potential seat in the coming seasons.
Red Bull applied for Lindblad to get an FIA superlicense, and the governing body approved the request despite the driver not meeting the minimum age requirement.
The FIA made an exception for Lindblad, who is supposed to be 18 years old to get the license, due to his experience racing in Formula 2.
“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 thus approved the request,” the FIA’s statement on the decision said.
With a superlicense, Linblad is set to take part in a free practice session at the F1 level.
Red Bull is very keen on the British sensation and is trying to fast-track him into a full-time racing seat in the top-flight racing series.
His test session will be on Monday, June 23, at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. The first F1 car he drives will be a 2023 AlphaTauri AT04.
As he prepares for F1, Linblad could potentially make his debut this season if Max Verstappen receives another penalty point.
The four-time champion is one point away from a race ban. If he does miss a race, Linblad should be the odds-on favorite.
Red Bull appointed him as a reserve driver, splitting the duties with the Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa.
At only 17 years of age, Lindblad has won two races in F2 this season, placing third in the season.
Lindblad signed with Red Bull back in 2021 as a highly touted karting prospect.
When could Lindblad join F1?
Red Bull’s F1 driver lineups are murky heading into the 2026 season. Max Verstappen should return to the team, though he could look for an exit.
All indications are that he will likely stay for another year, though his current teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s future is up in the air.
Tsunoda’s deal expires after this season, making him a free agent. He could stay at Red Bull if offered the spot, but his inconsistency in the RB21 does not inspire confidence.
Isack Hadjar has impressed while at Racing Bulls, but the team is not signaling that a move up to the senior team is coming.
Then there is Liam Lawson, who was demoted from the Red Bull second seat down to Racing Bulls.
Given the door is likely shut on a Red Bull return, the F1 senior team could move on from the New Zealander.
Lindblad has several paths into one of the four Red Bull seats available in F1, and his test in Italy will be one of many data points used to analyze his readiness for the next level.
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