Red Bull hand F1 audition to Brit teenager as flop set to be replaced | F1 | Sport

Arvid Lindblad is set to make his Formula 1 debut in the first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday. The 18-year-old’s performance could secure him a full-time seat next year, as he is being groomed for the big leagues.

British teenager Lindblad, a product of the Red Bull driver development programme, is touted by team bosses as potentially one of their best finds since Max Verstappen. He will have the opportunity to showcase his skills when he steps in for the Dutchman during practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

This is essentially the final test for the gifted youngster, who is rumoured to be Red Bull’s top pick for one of their 2026 seats. Currently seventh in the Formula 2 standings, Lindblad has had a steady first season in the series without setting it alight.

Despite not immediately making waves in F2, Red Bull reportedly remains optimistic about Lindblad’s prospects. The team is expected to finalise their 2026 driver line-up following the Mexico race weekend, with some sources suggesting that Lindblad’s promotion is virtually guaranteed.

Isack Hadjar is also being considered for a move to the top Red Bull team to partner Verstappen next year, following an impressive rookie season. This leaves just one spot open at the junior Racing Bulls team, with two drivers vying for a place on the 2026 grid.

Liam Lawson currently races for the team, having competed in the first two rounds of the year with the main Red Bull squad before being dropped. The New Zealander took some time to bounce back from this setback and, despite recording some impressive results this year, his inconsistent form has left his future uncertain.

And Yuki Tsunoda finds himself in a similar situation. He was promoted to replace Lawson, with Red Bull hoping his experience would yield better results from their second car and aid their overall development. However, the Japanese driver has also struggled alongside Verstappen.

There were early signs of progress, with points scored in three of his first five race weekends driving for the team. But a long scoreless run added to the pressure – though his tally of 16 points across the last three Grands Prix suggests he is finally making headway.

However, it might be a case of too little, too late – particularly as he still trails Lawson by two points in the standings despite having spent nearly the entire season driving for the senior team. This is also his fifth full season in F1 and there are doubts over whether he has made sufficient progress during that time to suggest that a sixth campaign will bring improved results.

The impending conclusion of Honda’s partnership with Red Bull could also have an impact, as Tsunoda initially joined their programme due to this alliance. The Japanese engine manufacturer is partnering with Aston Martin next year and so, if he is the one to be dropped, he could potentially find a role there as a reserve or test driver.