Shock Move: Red Bull to Drop F1 Star for Teen Sensation at....

Shock Move: Red Bull to Drop F1 Star for Teen Sensation at….read more

In a surprise development that’s set to send shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, Red Bull Racing are preparing to bench one of their current Formula 1 drivers during next month’s British Grand Prix weekend in order to give a 17-year-old rising star his first taste of elite motorsport action. The move comes amid growing speculation over the team’s long-term plans and the future lineup of the reigning championship-winning outfit.

Max Verstappen continues to lead Red Bull’s charge in 2025, while his teammate Yuki Tsunoda was promoted earlier this season from the sister outfit, Racing Bulls, to partner the Dutchman. However, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that a major change will occur during the Silverstone race weekend—though it may not be quite what fans expected.

Speaking in an interview with Austrian outlet Kleine Zeitung, Marko revealed that teenage sensation Arvid Lindblad will be stepping into one of the Red Bull cars during Friday’s practice session at the iconic British circuit. The team will temporarily sideline either Verstappen or Tsunoda to give Lindblad a shot behind the wheel during FP1—a mandatory rookie session required under F1 regulations.

Lindblad, who currently races in Formula 2 as part of the Red Bull Junior Team, has been making headlines throughout the 2025 season. With two F2 race victories already under his belt and a reputation for fearless overtaking and mature racecraft, the young Briton of Swedish-Indian descent has long been tipped as a future superstar in the sport. Now, it appears his fast-track to Formula 1 is already beginning.

“He spent half a day in the car on Monday in Italy to prepare,” said Marko. “And he’ll also be in the car for Friday’s practice at Silverstone. He stands out for his mental strength and self-confidence—his Swedish-Indian mix is clearly very good for motorsport.”

Marko was quick to clarify that Lindblad’s involvement is not indicative of any looming changes in Red Bull’s current race lineup. Despite constant rumors surrounding Verstappen’s loyalty to the team and Tsunoda’s long-term suitability, Marko stressed that both drivers are secure in their seats—for now.

“No, we’re not replacing anyone mid-season,” Marko stated emphatically. “We’re preparing in case something really happens to Max Verstappen regarding his penalty points. It’s purely a precaution. Right now, we have two reserve drivers—Lindblad and Ayumu Iwasa—but Iwasa’s F1 availability is limited due to his Super Formula commitments in Japan.”

Marko also hinted at the complexity behind selecting substitute drivers in the modern F1 landscape. “We even had a deal with another team for some races; at one point, a reserve driver was scheduled for three different teams. It’s not easy to find someone who’s always in top shape and ready to go. That’s why Lindblad is getting time in the car now.”

Lindblad joined the Red Bull program in 2021 and has impressed at every level since. His meteoric rise through the ranks—from karting to F4, then F3, and now F2—has been marked by consistency, speed, and a remarkable level of maturity for his age. Now, his first appearance in an official Formula 1 session is set to be one of the biggest stories of the Silverstone weekend.

Whether this is just a test session or a glimpse into Red Bull’s future plans, one thing is clear: Arvid Lindblad is a name F1 fans will be hearing a lot more of, and his journey to the top tier of motorsport may be accelerating far faster than anyone expected.