Lindblad Earns Red Bull's Praise After Flawless FP1 Outing

Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad impressed team principal Laurent Mekies with a "very, very good job" during his second Free Practice 1 appearance of the 2025 season in Mexico City. Taking over Max Verstappen's car, Lindblad secured the sixth-fastest time at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, showcasing a composed approach and delivering valuable feedback without any missteps.

Why it matters:

Lindblad's strong performance in a limited FP1 session highlights Red Bull's continued focus on nurturing young talent for future F1 opportunities. For a team known for its rigorous junior program, a flawless outing under pressure significantly boosts a driver's prospects and offers encouraging signs for their long-term driver development strategy.

The Details:

• Impressive Performance: Lindblad set the sixth-fastest time in FP1 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, driving Max Verstappen's car.
• Mekies's Praise: Laurent Mekies lauded Lindblad's performance, noting how challenging it is for rookies to step into an FP1 session with limited tires and laps. Mekies highlighted Lindblad's calm demeanor, precise feedback, and faultless driving, stating, "He just did a very, very good job... didn't put a foot wrong, didn't break the car. So, honestly, he has impressed us, no question about that."
• Future Opportunities: Mekies confirmed that Lindblad would receive more testing opportunities later in 2025, signaling Red Bull's commitment to his development.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull is deliberate in its driver evaluations, especially with potential future seats. While Max Verstappen is confirmed for the RB22 next year, the team is "not in a rush" to finalize other driver line-ups. This measured approach allows promising talents like Lindblad and Isack Hadjar ample chances to demonstrate their capabilities on track, ensuring the best possible decisions for the team's future.

What's next:

Lindblad's successful FP1 outing positions him favorably for more testing, keeping him firmly on Red Bull's radar for potential future roles. As Red Bull continues to assess its extensive talent pool, performances like Lindblad's are crucial in shaping the team's lineup decisions for 2026 and beyond, with the ultimate goal of identifying and promoting the next generation of F1 stars.