Red Bull to hand 17-year-old driver surprise F1 debut as Max Verstappen record equalled

Red Bull are reportedly set to hand a Formula 1 debut to a 17-year-old rising star.

Over the years, some of the most well-known F1 drivers have represented the Red Bull team.

Stars such as Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo have all made a name for themselves driving for the Milton Keynes-based team.

Verstappen is set to become the team's most successful driver if he manages to win another world title, having already won four in a row.

In the meantime, Red Bull are looking to find their next Verstappen and 17-year-old star Arvid Lindblad could be the one to fill the void left by the Dutchman in the future.

Lindblad has been described as the leading light of the Red Bull junior driver programme and has been praised by team boss Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko.

Recently, it was confirmed that Lindblad has been granted a superlicense despite being under the age of 18.

The sport's governing body, the FIA, gave it the go-ahead after receiving a request from Red Bull.

A statement read: "The FIA has received a request to grant a Super Licence to Arvid Lindblad prior to his 18th birthday.

"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."

Arvid Lindblad could soon make his Formula 1 debut. Image: Getty

As per Motorsport, Lindblad has become the first driver since Verstappen to be handed a superlicense before turning 18.

Verstappen became the youngest driver to take part in F1 after being handed his Toro Rosso debut at the age of just 17 years, 5 months and 13 days.

Looking ahead, Lindblad could soon find himself making his own debut in the pinnacle of motorsports.

As reported by Motorsport, Lindblad is expected to 'take part in several FP1 sessions over the next few months'.

Marko said of Lindblad recently: "With Lindblad, we are developing someone who is also very strong mentally. Now we have two reserve drivers. Previously, Iwasa was the only one, and he also has races in Japan that overlap with Formula 1."