FIA Annual Meeting in Macau Highlights Key Changes

The Global World Motorsport community came together in Macau for the FIA’s annual meeting. During this gathering, the World Motorsport Council (WMSC) discussed various matters and announced several significant decisions.

One of the key announcements was the special approval allowing Red Bull junior driver Arvid Lindblad to obtain a super license. This decision facilitates the participation of 17-year-old drivers in Formula 1 before they reach 18.

Last year, the FIA updated its international sports code. Now, drivers can request special permissions to race in Formula 1 prior to turning 18. The revised code states that a driver must be at least 18 at the start of their first F1 event, but can be granted an exception if they exhibit exceptional skill and maturity in single-seater car competitions.

Lindblad is currently racing in Formula 1 and sits third in the championship ranking for F2 drivers. Recently, he claimed his first F2 feature race victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. He has also amassed enough points from previous Formula 3 races to qualify for the FIA Super License, along with winning the Formula Regional Oceania Series earlier this year.

In their ruling, the WMSC noted, “The FIA received a request to grant Arvid Lindblad a super license before his 18th birthday. After reviewing the information, the World Council found that the driver has consistently demonstrated superior ability and maturity, leading to the approval of this request.”

This marks the inaugural approval under the revised international sports code.

There are a couple of reasons why Red Bull might be advocating for this approval before Lindblad turns 18. One possible factor relates to Max Verstappen, who is just one penalty point away from a race suspension. He’ll need to manage his performance in the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix. In light of this, Lindblad could be viewed as a backup, especially if either Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar is reassigned to Red Bull in the near future.

Alternatively, the team might be considering additional driver changes. For instance, during the 2025 Formula 1 season, Lawson raced alongside Verstappen, while Hajar and Tsunoda represented another team. Following some struggles in the initial races, Lawson was moved back, allowing Tsunoda to step up to Red Bull.

However, it’s noteworthy that the second seat at Red Bull remains a topic of ongoing debate. The team has faced challenges, scoring only 7 points from seven races over the weekend. With Hadjar performing well, there’s potential for him to be promoted, possibly alongside Lindblad.

In any case, the conversation around Red Bull’s second seat continues to evolve.