Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has indicated when its junior prospect Arvid Lindblad will make his debut in a Formula 1 race weekend.
The 17-year-old has seen his stock rise significantly over the last year, and currently sits third in the Formula 2 championship with two wins with Campos Racing.
Rated highly by the Milton Keynes-based squad, it even made the push for Lindblad to be granted an FIA superlicence, which was granted with exemption due to is age.
This week, the Brit conducted a private test at Imola, driving a 2023-spec Racing Bulls car as preparation for future outings at race weekends.
And this will now come soon, with Marko confirming that his first public appearance in an F1 car will come in just over a week’s time at the British Grand Prix.
“He’ll also be in the car for Friday’s practice at Silverstone,” Marko told Kleine Zeitung.
“He stands out for his mental strength and self-confidence; his Swedish-Indian mix is clearly very good for motorsport.”
Lindblad fast-tracking in preparation for Verstappen Plan B
Despite his tender age, Lindblad has shown considerable ability amid his rise through the feeder ranks, scoring four wins last year – including one at Silverstone – on his way to fourth place in the Formula 3 championship last year.
Marko said that Lindblad’s fast-tracking is a Plan B in case Max Verstappen incurs a 12th penalty point at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, which would earn him a one-race ban.
“We’re preparing in case something really happens to Max Verstappen regarding his penalty points,” Marko confirmed.
“We currently have two reserve drivers: Lindblad and Ayumu Iwasa, whose Formula 1 schedules clash with his appearances in Japan.
“We even had a deal with another team for some races; at one point, a reserve driver was even scheduled for three teams.
“It’s not that easy to find someone who’s in top shape. And that’s why Lindblad is in the car now.”
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