P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull has produced a lot of F1 talent throughout its history and now has another prospect lined up for an F1 outing this year.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Arvid Lindblad will receive an FP1 outing at the British Grand Prix later this year, despite not yet being 18 years old. He recently obtained an early FIA super licence, with Red Bull getting an exemption from the age requirement.
Lindblad, a British driver, is set to make his F1 weekend debut before his 18th birthday, reminiscent of Max Verstappen who also raced at 17 years old. Marko mentioned that Lindblad had a test day in Italy to familiarize himself with F1 cars, and he will participate in a practice session at Silverstone.
Marko praised Lindblad for his mental strength and self-confidence, highlighting his Swedish-Indian background as an asset for motorsport. Red Bull is preparing in case Max Verstappen faces a race ban, with Lindblad and Ayumu Iwasa as reserve drivers due to potential clashes in their schedules.
The team previously fielded Iwasa in Bahrain, and Marko emphasized the importance of having drivers in top form as reserve options for multiple scenarios within the F1 season. Lindblad’s opportunity in an F1 car is a strategic move by Red Bull to have contingency plans in place.
