Driver replacing Yuki Tsunoda at British Grand Prix had special request granted by FIA

Teenage driver Arvid Lindblad has been granted special dispensation from the FIA to step in for Yuki Tsunoda at the British Grand Prix. The wonderkid has been lined up as a potential Max Verstappen successor in the future, but is set to take the wheel alongside the four-time world champion at Silverstone.

F1 rules state that all 10 teams must run a junior driver during two practice sessions throughout the season. Red Bull have opted to give Lindblad his F1 debut at his home Grand Prix in Friday's first practice session.

That was after Red Bull asked the sport's governing body, the FIA, to grant Lindblad a superlicence before his 18th birthday. He will turn 18, the age typically required to hold a superlicence on August 8 but he already has the sufficient points to qualify due to his success in junior formula.

At the World Motor Sport Council in Macau last month, the FIA confirmed that they granted Red Bull's request and Lindblad can now legally race in F1.

"After considering the information presented in support of this request, the World Council found that the driver has recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition and therefore approved the request," a statement said.

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Lindblad is sixth in the Formula 2 championship after taking his first feature race victory of the season in Spain.

Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko claimed last month that Lindblad was appointed an official test and reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls, with the teams both big believers in the teen's potential.

Lindblad, too, is eager to get behind the wheel of Tsunoda's RB21.

"I am very excited to be driving during FP1, driving in an official F1 session is going to be a very special moment," said Lindblad. "It is something I have dreamt of for a long time.

"To get a first taste of F1 with Oracle Red Bull Racing as well, after being with the Junior Programme for almost five years, is really special to me. This is an amazing opportunity, and I am super grateful to everybody at Oracle Red Bull Racing for it.

"And to be making my F1 debut as a British driver, on a British track, in front of a British crowd, is going to be really amazing.

"My aim is to get up to speed in the car really quickly, get Yuki good data to help him across the weekend, lead the team in a good direction and try to drive quickly as well! I can't wait to hit the track and get going."