Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad can still have legitimate hopes of promotion to the premier class. Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies was enthusiastic about the youngster’s recent performances in Mexico.
Arvid Lindblad took his chance in the first free practice session for the Mexican GP. “I think he did a great job,” said Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies.
The 18-year-old took over from Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen – and set the sixth-best time in the session. He relegated Verstappen’s teammate Yuki Tsunoda to eighth place.
“It’s so difficult to shine in FP1 – so difficult,” emphasized Mekies: “It’s completely different to the test days. You don’t have many tires, you don’t have many laps, and he just did a great job.” Lindblad remained “calm” and “gave the right feedback”.
The Red Bull team boss couldn’t avoid giving special praise to the top talent: “To be honest, he impressed us in this FP1, no question about it. And we’re looking forward to the next time he’ll be back in the car towards the end of the year.”
Red Bull is taking its time in Formula 1
Whether Arvid Lindblad is any closer to a promotion remains to be seen. The places at Red Bull behind Max Verstappen are still completely open. In addition to the young Brit, Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson also have hopes.
“As far as the decision is concerned, we accept that everyone wants us to decide. But the truth is that we are not in a hurry. We will take all the time we need and give these guys as many chances as possible to show on the track who is the best,” said the Frenchman, who followed Christian Horner.
Motorsport consultant Dr. Helmut Marko also recently confirmed that the focus at Red Bull is currently solely on Max Verstappen. The Dutchman still has a chance of defending his Formula 1 title with four races to go.