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Red Bull rising star to line up with Max Verstappen at Silverstone
During next weekend’s British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen will have a new teammate, as 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad will make his F1 debut in first practice at Silverstone.
Lindblad is set to drive the RB21 alongside Verstappen on Friday morning, as part of Red Bull’s contingency plan in case Verstappen faces a ban this season due to accumulating 11 points on his super licence.
Praised for his “mental strength and self-confidence”, Lindblad was granted an early FIA super licence and will be the first driver since Verstappen to compete in a grand prix event at the age of 17.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko stated that Lindblad’s debut is a part of the team’s strategy in case of potential penalties for Verstappen, highlighting the challenges of finding a suitable replacement driver in such circumstances.
Lindblad, currently competing in F2 and third in the championship, joins Red Bull’s roster of reserve drivers and will help to ensure readiness should Verstappen be sidelined at any point during the season.
