P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Current Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies was once part of the FIA and was central to a major organisational change following a controversy surrounding Max Verstappen.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies implemented the current F1 super licence system to prevent another young driver from entering the sport like Max Verstappen did at 17 years old. The FIA responded by increasing the minimum age for a super licence to 18 and adding requirements to earn points from other motorsport categories. Mekies, who was working at the FIA when Verstappen debuted, was tasked by Jean Todt to revamp the super licence system due to the age issue. The restructuring led to a new points system ensuring a higher age requirement for F1 drivers. Recently, the FIA allowed a driver under 18, Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad, to receive a super licence by demonstrating exceptional skill and maturity in single-seater formula car competitions. This adjustment is at the sole discretion of the FIA, emphasizing the importance of talent and maturity for young drivers in F1.
