Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has praised Arvid Lindblad’s FP1 performance at the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, saying he “didn’t put a foot wrong” during his outing.
Lindblad added to his Silverstone FP1 run with Red Bull’s sister side, Racing Bulls, with a showing with the main team at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez last weekend.
Taking the place of Max Verstappen, Lindblad carried all the updates to the RB21 that the Dutchman was afforded, and in the session, he impressed with a sixth-place finish.
Lindblad’s showing will have no doubt fuelled the rumours that he may be set for a place at Racing Bulls in 2026, should Isack Hadjar be promoted in place of Yuki Tsunoda.
After the race, in which Verstappen finished third, Mekies spoke highly of the British teenager, saying that free practice at a Grand Prix is far different from an average day testing.
“I think he did a great job. It’s so difficult to step up in FP1,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “So difficult. It’s very different to test days.
“You don’t have much tyres. You don’t have many laps. And he did just a very good job. You have seen all the timesheets by yourself. But he was very calm. He gave all the right feedback.
“He didn’t put a foot wrong. He didn’t break the car. So, honestly, he has impressed us at FP1. No question about that.
“We look forward to the next time in the car towards the end of the year.”
Mekies says ‘no rush’ on Red Bull driver decision with Lindblad waiting
Mekies was naturally asked about whether Lindblad will indeed make the step up to full-time F1 next season.
One variation of the rumours is that, should Lindblad be promoted, Liam Lawson and Tsunoda – providing Hadjar takes the second Red Bull seat – will be vying for the second seat at Racing Bulls.
But Mekies reiterated the team’s willingness not to be in a hurry about the situation, with Helmut Marko confirming the decision has been pushed back to the very end of the season.
“The final decision, as we said, as much as we accept that everyone would like us to decide, we are not in a rush,” he stressed.
“We will take all the time we need. Give these guys as many chances as they can have to demonstrate on track who are the best.”
READ MORE – Why Red Bull has delayed decision on 2026 F1 driver line-up
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