Red Bull has submitted a request for an FIA Super Licence exemption for junior driver Arvid Lindblad. A Super Licence is required to compete in official F1 sessions, which can be acquired by securing enough points in motorsport series outlined by the FIA. Although Lindblad has accumulated enough points, he does not turn 18 until August 8. Under the regulations, the FIA can waive the age requirement under certain circumstances for drivers who are 17 years old, which is what Red Bull is requesting. Lindblad joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2021, moving through Formula 4 and Formula 3. He is currently competing in his first Formula 2 season with Campos Racing, sitting third in the standings. Theoretically, an exemption could allow Lindblad to replace Max Verstappen, who was brought to within one point of a race ban after a collision with George Russell in Spain. However, the team have insisted that their exemption request was submitted well before the Spanish Grand Prix and is not related to Verstappen’s status.
Kamui Kobayashi put the Haas car through its paces in a private test with the team at the Circuit Paul Ricard. This is the first time the Japanese driver has been in a Formula One car in 11 years, getting behind the wheel of the team’s 2023 challenger, the VF-23. Kobayashi joined F1 in 2009 with Toyota, moving to Sauber the following year after Toyota withdrew from the sport. He moved to sports cars in 2013, failing to secure funding for an F1 seat, returning in 2014 with Caterham. With the team on the brink of financial collapse, they attempted to replace Kobayashi with Andre Lotterer after a one-off race in Belgium, but the German declined the team’s offer to continue the rest of the season. By the end of the year, Caterham had folded into administration, leaving Kobayashi without a seat for 2015. He reconnected with Toyota in their World Endurance Championship efforts, where he still competes today. Haas’ private test was conducted as part of the technical partnership between the American team and Japanese car-maker.
One of Aston Martin’s reserve drivers will miss out on the 24 Hours of Le Mans if they need to replace Lance Stroll for the Canadian Grand Prix. Stroll withdrew from the Spanish Grand Prix after his chronic wrist pain worsened during qualifying, leaving Aston Martin with only one car. Although the team confirmed that Stroll has undergone surgery to fix the issue, the team was unwilling to comment on whether the Canadian would be ready to compete in his home grand prix. If he cannot compete, Aston Martin has two reserve drivers at their disposal: Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne, both of whom are on the entry list for the 24 Hours of Le Mans that will be held on the same weekend. Stroll will undergo further testing this week in preparation for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Former F1 World Champion Jody Scheckter has lost his driving licence. The South African had a successful Formula One career in the ’70s, becoming the sport’s only South African champion in 1979. He left motorsport in 1980 to found Firearms Training Systems, a weapons simulation company and then Laverstoke Park Farm in the UK. After moving to Italy a year and a half ago, his UK driving licence expired, and the 75-year-old feels he does not speak Italian fluently enough to complete a new driving exam in Italy. He has reached out to a lawyer to explore alternative options.
The FIA, F1, F2, and F3 released a joint statement this week against online abuse and harassment. This statement comes after Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne deleted his social media in response to online hate messages. The Irishman clashed with Victor Martins in the first corner of the Monaco feature race, causing a multi-car pile-up. However, other drivers have also recently spoken out against online bullying and harassment. Jack Doohan, who lost his seat at Alpine, pleaded with fans to stop harassing his family after people online created a fake post that was falsely attributed to Doohan’s father. The FIA’s statement reiterated that the organization “firmly condemn[s] abuse and harassment of any form” and will “continue to collectively act upon and report abuse to social media platforms.” It concluded by urging “everyone to remain respectful towards the athletes and their teams.”
The FIA and F1 have completed the first inspection of the Hungaroring’s brand-new main building. The old main building and main grandstand were demolished as part of the circuit’s largest renovations to date. In their place now stand modernized facilities, including new team garages. The Hungarian Grand Prix is set to be held on August 3, marking the start of the Formula One summer break.
The Cadillac F1 Team has partnered with Tommy Hilfiger, announcing the team’s first partnership deal. The multi-year deal will see the American-based fashion brand become the team’s official apparel partner and lifestyle sponsor. The company will provide official gear worn by team personnel as well as fan merchandise. The Tommy Hilfiger logo will also feature on the team’s car livery.
McLaren will hold a live event at Trafalgar Square in London on July 2 and 3, celebrating the company’s racing history. The event will grant fans a chance to get close to McLaren racing cars from a variety of championships like Formula 1, Formula E, IndyCar, and the World Endurance Championship. This will also include some of the team’s heritage cars. The event will be free to attend.
It can be challenging for even the most avid fans to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One. The Weekly F1 Recap is a series published each Monday that breaks down the action, both on and off the circuit, into bit-sized pieces. It's perfect for casual and experienced fans alike.
