Red Bull requests FIA superlicence exemption for Lindblad in F1

Whereas Purple Bull’s reserve drivers and junior abilities are at the moment within the highlight as a consequence of Max Verstappen’s 11 penalty factors, it emerges that Purple Bull submitted a request for a superlicence exemption for Arvid Lindblad.

It is vital to notice that this request isn’t straight associated to Verstappen’s penalty scenario and was submitted properly beforehand, as Helmut Marko has clarified as properly.

Based on info obtained by Autosport, Purple Bull’s request will likely be mentioned subsequent week through the upcoming FIA World Motor Sport Council assembly in Macau.

Lindblad is at the moment competing in Method 2 and meets all different necessities for a superlicence—the doc required to participate in official F1 periods. He has amassed sufficient superlicence factors in junior formulation, though drivers can formally obtain it solely as soon as they flip 18.

This rule was launched following Max Verstappen’s remarkably early F1 debut on the age of 17, when he didn’t but have a driving licence. To stop related conditions, the FIA carried out a minimal age as a part of the superlicence system, which aspiring F1 drivers should now meet.

Following in Antonelli’s footsteps?

Final 12 months, nonetheless, the door was barely reopened for abilities beneath 18, when Mercedes requested an exemption for Andrea Kimi Antonelli – just like what Purple Bull is doing now.

Race winner Arvid Lindblad, Campos Racing

Photograph by: Method Motorsport Ltd

It led to a revision of the FIA Worldwide Sporting Code, particularly article 13.1.2. Appendix L now states: “On the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have just lately and constantly demonstrated excellent means and maturity in single-seater components automobile competitors could also be granted a Tremendous Licence on the age of 17 years previous.”

Since Lindblad has already earned sufficient factors earlier than his 18th birthday and at the moment sits third within the Method 2 standings as a rookie – with two race wins, together with the characteristic race in Barcelona – he seems to qualify beneath this clause.

The FIA will focus on Purple Bull’s request subsequent week, when it’s on the agenda in Macau. If authorized, Lindblad could be allowed to take part in F1 apply periods and will even function a stand-in for one of many common drivers.

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This might provide Purple Bull an additional choice within the present scenario. If Verstappen faces a suspension and Purple Bull decides to advertise one of many Racing Bulls drivers, Lindblad might theoretically substitute both Isack Hadjar or Liam Lawson on the sister staff.

Along with Lindblad (if the FIA grants the exemption), Purple Bull nonetheless has Ayumu Iwasa obtainable as a reserve driver.

Lindblad turns 18 on 8 August, a number of days after the Hungarian Grand Prix, which means the British-Swedish driver could be eligible for his superlicence through the F1 summer time break regardless.