Arvid Lindblad will make F1 debut with practice session at British Grand Prix, could replace Max Verstappen

Arvid Lindblad, the promising Red Bull Junior Team driver, is all set to make his Formula 1 debut during the free practice session at the British Grand Prix. Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian descent, is being considered as a potential replacement for none other than Max Verstappen — should the reigning F1 champion receive a race ban, from which he is just one penalty point away.

This possibility has been confirmed by Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko.

Helmut Marko praises Arvid Lindblad ahead of F1 debut

The 17-year-old Lindblad has already proven his potential in Formula 2, becoming the youngest driver in F2 history to win a race after claiming victory in the Sprint Race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. If he gets the chance to compete at the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit, he could achieve a similar milestone in Formula 1.Confirming the development, Dr.

Helmut Marko told Austrian outlet Kleine Zeitung, “He spent half a day in the car in Italy on Monday to prepare himself. And he will also be in the car for Friday practice at Silverstone. He is characterised by his mental strength and self-confidence.”

Marko added, “We are preparing ourselves in case something really happens with Max Verstappen in terms of his penalty points. We currently have two replacement drivers: Lindblad and Ayumu Iwasa, whose Formula 1 commitments overlap with his commitments in Japan.

For some races, we even had a deal with another team, and once a substitute driver was even scheduled for three teams. It is not so easy to find someone who is in good shape.

And that's why Lindblad is now in the car.”Lindblad has been granted an F1 super licence by the FIA under a special exemption. He is also excelling in Formula 3, having already secured multiple wins. Notably, he trained under leading Formula E champion Oliver Rowland, who runs a karting school.

Why Arvid Lindblad may have to replace Max Verstappen at British Grand Prix

Meanwhile, Red Bull star Max Verstappen remains under scrutiny for his growing penalty points tally, particularly after his collision with Mercedes driver George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix.Also Read: Who is Arvid Lindblad? The 17-year-old phenom Red Bull believes could be F1’s next superstarAccording to media reports, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is hopeful that Verstappen will complete the Austrian Grand Prix without incurring another penalty. Verstappen currently holds the record for the most wins at the Austrian GP, with four victories — a stat that should offer some reassurance for the team.