Arvid Lindblad to Drive Verstappen's Red Bull in Mexico City FP1

Arvid Lindblad, a highly-rated Red Bull junior, is set for a significant step in his Formula 1 journey, with his second FP1 outing for Red Bull Racing in Mexico City. The Campos F2 driver will take over Max Verstappen's car for the opening practice session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, following his previous appearance at last summer’s British Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Lindblad's participation fulfills Red Bull's mandatory rookie driver requirement and offers him invaluable seat time in a championship-winning car. For Red Bull, it's a critical opportunity to assess the 18-year-old's adaptability and composure in the challenging high-altitude conditions of Mexico City, where the car’s performance is heavily tested.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Replacement: Lindblad will drive Max Verstappen's car in FP1, a routine part of F1 teams' obligation to feature rookie drivers in two practice sessions per car each season.
• Priceless Opportunity: While Verstappen's absence is unlikely to impact his race weekend — he boasts an impressive five wins in nine starts at this circuit — it's a "priceless opportunity" for Lindblad to gain experience at the pinnacle of motorsport.
• Rising Through the Ranks: Lindblad's rapid ascent has been a highlight of the Red Bull Junior Programme. The Macau Grand Prix winner and former Formula 3 front-runner is currently in his rookie Formula 2 season, sitting seventh in the standings.
• Superlicence Secured: Having already secured his FIA superlicence by winning the Formula Regional Oceania Championship last winter, Lindblad is fully eligible for an F1 seat with Red Bull or Racing Bulls for the 2026 season.
• Future Prospects: His name is frequently mentioned as a strong candidate for a Racing Bulls seat next season, signaling a potential reshuffle in Red Bull's junior driver lineup.

What's next:

Red Bull’s development program is intensely focused on nurturing its next generation of drivers. With Ayumu Iwasa also expected to participate in an FP1 session with Racing Bulls next weekend, the pipeline is robust. For Lindblad, the immediate goal is clear: maximize his time in Verstappen’s car, demonstrate his capabilities, and solidify his position as a future F1 contender.