New superlicence rule helps Red Bull: Will this British star debut soon?
Exclusive
- Ludo van Denderen
The change in the conditions for obtaining a superlicence seemingly intend to help Andrea Kimi Antonelli get an early seat in Formula 1. But the Italian turns 18 in just a few weeks - on 25 August - which means he can soon make the switch to F1 anyway. The FIA decision to allow drivers to drive in F1 as early as 17 seems to be especially beneficial for Red Bull and a top British talent.
Recently, the motorsport federation decided to lower the minimum age for obtaining a super licence - with which to drive in F1 - to 17. After all, the motorsport federation stated, in consultation with the 10 F1 teams, that there are sometimes exceptional talents who deserve a place in the top class of motorsport even before they reach adulthood (or need to be able to drive a FP1). Someone like Max Verstappen in the past (debuted at 16) or Andrea Kimi Antonelli is one driver with plenty of hype.
Red Bull impressed by Lindblad
There is a top talent currently causing a furore in the lower echelons of motorsport that could just benefit from the new rules. This year, Arvid Lindblad is driving in Formula 3; a 16-year-old Brit who won his debut race in the class earlier this year. In Melbourne, the driver then finished second, and partly as a result he is fifth in the championship. This Friday in Spain, Lindblad qualified second for Sunday's main race.
The young talent - who was once discovered by Formula E driver Oliver Rowland - belongs to the Red Bull Junior Team. Helmut Marko - who runs this programme - is reportedly particularly keen on the youngster. Once Lindblad is 17, there is a good chance Red Bull will use the Brit during a FP1. The Austrians are impressed by Lindblad.
Lindblad reacts to changed rules
After Lindblad excelled in Barcelona on Friday afternoon, he chimed in with the international media - including GPblog - and was asked if, with the changed regulations, he is already thinking about a quick entry into Formula 1? After a small, telling smile, Lindblad said, "I mean, at the moment, I'm in Formula 3, so I'm just focusing on taking every race by race."
"Formula One and the super licence are still very far away, so it doesn't really affect me, to be honest. So, we'll see in the future. I'm still inexperienced. I'm not even thinking about the future, so we'll see what that holds, but, at the moment, that's not really relevant," Lindblad said.