In recent years, Max Verstappen has made the Formula 1 competition look old and has won title after title in the Red Bull Racing car. But who could become the new champion if Verstappen leaves the premier class of motorsport? Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko already has a specific candidate in his sights.
Max Verstappen already has four world championship titles in Formula 1, and given the Dutchman’s sheer strength, there could be more to come in the next few years. However, Verstappen has already indicated that he does not intend to remain in the premier class until he is an old racing driver. Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko also recalled this and has already named a possible successor.
“It’s a great pleasure to work with Max. But he won’t drive forever. Especially not as long as Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso,” said Marko in the “Inside Line F1 Podcast” and referred to the junior team in the background .
“We’re not looking for a new Max there, we’re looking for a new champion,” emphasized Marko and revealed: “The next one who’s really promising is Arvid Lindblad.”
Marko impressed by Lindblad’s “pure speed”
The 17-year-old caused a stir in Formula 3 in 2024, won, among other things, the 100th race in F3 history and is part of the Red Bull junior team.
“He was already good in Formula 4,” Marko looked back on 2022 and 2023, “and then he was last in Formula 3, where he was also close to the title, but there were circumstances that led to it “It didn’t work…” the 81-year-old continued.
“But what stands out about him is his pure speed. In some races he has overtaken numerous drivers within one lap, he has won a race in which he started from the very back, he is good under the most difficult conditions,” he praised Red Bull advisor the youngster.
He first met Lindblad and his father a few years ago on the sidelines of a go-kart race in Portugal in Portimao, when Formula 1 was also a guest there. What impressed Marko: “It was Arvid who conducted the conversation back then, who stood out, and at the age of twelve or so. That’s not normal. But he had a clear vision, a clear plan, what he wanted to do want to achieve.”
The conversation that must have taken place around the Portuguese GP, which was on the racing calendar in 2020 and 2021, ultimately got straight to the point. “There were other teams that were interested, but in the end he signed a long-term contract with us,” said Marko happily.
“He has always developed further. Next year he will drive in Formula 2. He has already shown good preparation, the test was okay. We have developed a special program for him. The goal is for him to reach Formula 2 wins and then collects the necessary points for his super license,” said Marko.
Clear plan towards Formula 1 for Lindblad
At the end of 2025, Lindblad will be 18 years old and will therefore be allowed to drive in Formula 1 due to his age.
“In addition to the pure speed, he has a high level of intelligence, is very honest with himself, admits mistakes and is also much further along, both physically and mentally, than his age would suggest,” said Marko. “He has a good combination of mental and driving skills,” added the 81-year-old.
“The plan is also that in 2025 he will complete numerous tests with a view to Formula 1, how many still has to be decided. He will then drive in one of last year’s models,” with which Marko is referring to the so-called TPCs, tests in previous Cars, alluded to.
“If he drives well in Formula 2, he can perhaps switch to Formula 1 in 2026 with good experience.” In addition, there could also be appearances in Friday training with the sister team in 2025. But we still have to talk to the Racing Bulls, says Marko.