Lindblad follows Verstappen’s lead with no driving licence ahead of F1 debut

17:30, 25 Jan

byLudo van Denderen

Arvid Lindblad has often been labelled as the new Max Verstappen. Whether the Brit will ultimately prove to be just as good will become clear in the years ahead. In one respect, however, he is already following in Verstappen’s footsteps: Lindblad will start his first F1 season without a driving licence.

Max Verstappen was given his chance in Formula 1 at just 16 years old. At the time, he was not legally allowed to drive on public roads. The Dutchman only obtained his driving licence on his 18th birthday, a moment he recently reflected on in a video shared by Red Bull Racing.

Lindblad does not have a driving licence

In that same video, Lindblad revealed that he does not have a driving licence yet. The footage was filmed in November last year, meaning he would have had enough time since then to obtain one. However, GPblog has confirmed that this has not happened.

Arvid Lindblad - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

When Lindblad takes to the grid as a Formula 1 driver on Monday, he will be the only driver without a driving licence.

That is not an issue, despite regulations once stating that a road driving licence was required in order to obtain a super licence and thus be eligible to compete in Formula 1.

Exceptions can be granted for exceptional talents, and Lindblad is making use of that provision. When the lights go out for the season-opening Grand Prix in Australia in March, the Brit will be free to take part. Of course, it also remains possible that he will have passed his driving test by then.

Read also

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.