F1 News
Red Bull superstar Lindblad nets F1 super licence after first title of 2025
Arvid Lindblad has claimed victory in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, securing a crucial milestone in his career. With this win, the Red Bull Racing prodigy has earned enough points to qualify for his super licence, bringing him one step closer to a potential future in Formula 1.
Lindblad wins title and secures F1 super licence
Arvid Lindblad needed just a second-place finish to secure the title in the opening race of the final weekend of the New Zealand championship at Highlands Motorsport Park. The 17-year-old Briton couldn't quite challenge Patrick Heuzenroeder for the win, but the Australian claimed his first victory in the series after previously finishing on the podium three times.
Lindblad drove most of the race in no man's land and eventually crossed the finish line in second place, ahead of Michael Shin. That second place was enough for the future Formula 2 driver to win the title with two races to go. “It definitely wasn’t the easiest race of the championship so far,” Lindblad said afterwards. "I wanted to get a really good start because I knew that was going to be critical for the result."
“The pace was good the first couple of laps. I was putting [Heuzenroeder] under pressure and then, I don’t know, something happened and all of a sudden I was really slow the second half of the race and it was just about trying to survive and get to the end. Regardless, really happy and grateful to M2 for the car this season and thank you to them.” Concluded the brand-new Formula Regional Oceania champion.
Lindblad's title win in New Zealand means he has now earned enough points for his super licence, the mandatory requirement to compete in Formula 1. This makes him a potential option for Red Bull or Racing Bulls as early as 2025. However, his eligibility remains uncertain. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't qualify for a super licence until after his 18th birthday in August, preventing him from driving an F1 car before then. However, an FIA rule change last year allows teams to apply for dispensation, including for a 'Free Practice Only Super Licence.'
This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder
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