The FIA approved a notable request from Red Bull this week – Formula 2 talent Arvid Lindblad has obtained a super license at the age of 17. This allows the British-Swedish driver to compete in Formula 1, despite his minority. Red Bull may be covering itself in case Max Verstappen is suspended. Johnny Herbert has high expectations; he thinks Lindblad could eventually be better than Verstappen.
“There’s a certain boy who won the Formula 2 main race in Spain,” Johnny Herbert told YaySweepstakes. “He’s a Red Bull junior and has risen rapidly,” he continued meaningfully. “His name is Arvid Lindblad. He knows exactly what he wants, and it’s clear that he wants to reach Formula 1.” If Herbert has his way, the young talent will debut in the premier class as soon as possible. “He’s really the perfect candidate to replace Yuki Tsunoda,” the Brit emphasized.
Hadjar and Lindblad, the future of Red Bull?
In recent years, Red Bull has gone through many drivers. Max Verstappen outperformed everyone who drove alongside him, but according to Herbert, Arvid Lindblad could change that. “Is there someone who could possibly be better than Verstappen?” he asked aloud. “Yes. Could Lindblad be that person? Certainly. But the real test only comes when he has secured the second Red Bull seat.” For that, Lindblad must first win the Formula 2 title, according to Herbert.
“I think Red Bull would prefer to bring in the Formula 2 champion,” he explained. Lindblad is currently third in the standings, behind Richard Verschoor and Alex Dunne. “Isack Hadjar does make the choices more difficult for Red Bull, despite the fact that he has never won the Formula 2 title,” Herbert concluded. “They now have two young talents, and if Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull – if we are to believe the rumors – then they have two super talents in Hadjar and Lindblad.”
Johnny Herbert competed in Formula 1 between 1989 and 2000. He later took on the role of FIA steward, a position he held until 2024. The Englishman came under fire last year for his dual role; he combined his role as steward with writing subjective columns on gambling sites. Max Verstappen was often the target of criticism. Upon his departure from the FIA, Herbert concluded that the two roles were ‘incompatible’.
