When exactly can rising Red Bull talent Arvid Lindblad make his Formula 1 debut? This was the question on everyone’s lips after the Swedish-British driver was spotted at Imola in an AlphaTauri car for a private test. Advisor Helmut Marko now provides the definitive answer, and also explains why the young driver is allowed to join the premier class so early.
Arvid Lindblad is currently active in Formula 2 with Campos Racing, but seems to be getting closer and closer to his Formula 1 debut. The Red Bull talent was granted a super license ahead of schedule in early June. According to current rules, the 17-year-old is actually too young to make his Formula 1 debut, but, following in the footsteps of Andrea Kimi Antonelli a year earlier, he obtained the license through an exception. This allows the British-Swedish driver to participate in free practice sessions, among other things, and he won’t have to wait long for that.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed to Kleine Zeitung that the young driver indeed spent “half a day in the car in Italy” last Monday. Lindblad was allowed to clock up miles in the 2023 AlphaTauri car at Imola. But that’s not all for the young driver.
“He will also be in the car during a free practice on Friday at Silverstone,” reveals Marko. The British Grand Prix is also a home race for Lindblad. “He stands out for his mental strength and self-confidence. His Swedish-Indian mix is clearly very good for motorsport.” Whether Lindblad makes his debut in a Racing Bulls or Red Bull car is still unclear.
Potential Suspension for Verstappen
Lindblad’s early debut in Formula 1 is not solely due to the young driver’s talent. Marko candidly admits that it is also a result of the race suspension that still looms over Max Verstappen. “We are preparing in case something really happens with Max Verstappen regarding his penalty points,” Marko continues. “We currently have two reserve drivers: Lindblad and Ayumu Iwasa.” However, Super Formula driver Iwasa’s obligations coincide with Formula 1 weekends. “It’s not so easy to find someone who is in top form. And that’s why Lindblad is now in the car.”
