Before the Grand Prize of Austria next weekend (including RTL+), Red Bull Racing is preparing for an emergency. A youngster can rehearse with the RB racer. This secures Red Bull if Max Verstappen should afford the next Bock.
The Damocles sword of the racetrack hovers over the head of Max Verstappen. Because the Formula 1 world champion has already accumulated eleven penalty points, he threatens a lock if he becomes conspicuous again at the GP in Austria.
Accordingly, the racing team takes first precautions. Young driver Arvid Lindblad was able to test drive at the beginning of the week in the RB racer. A debut at the Great Britain’s Grand Prize in early July is waving to him.
Formula 1: Verstappen threatens lock
“He was sitting in the car for half a day in Italy on Monday to prepare him. And he will also sit in the car in Friday training in Silverstone,” said Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko in an interview with the “Kleine Zeitung” from Austria.
The youngster is “characterized by its mental strength and self -confidence,” said the Grazer. “His Swedish-Indian mix is obviously very good for motorsport.”
Marko continues: “We are preparing if something should happen to Max Verstappen regarding his penalty points.”
Marko: “It’s not that easy”
In addition to Lindblad, Red Bull also has Ayumu Iwasa as a substitute. In the Japanese, however, there are appointment problems with missions in Japan, explained Marko.
“For some races we even had a deal with another team, once a replacement driver was even intended for three teams. It is not so easy to find someone who is in good condition. And that’s why Lindblad is now in the car.”
With just one further penalty point next week, Verstappen collects a racing lock. Only after the race in Spielberg will the two points from the previous year (collision with Lando Norris in the fight for victory) be deleted and the danger of a racing lock has been banned for the time being.
Lindblad has been part of Red Bull’s young program since 2021. The Briton runs in Formula 2 for Campos Racing this year and recently won the sprint in Dschidda and in Barcelona. Lindblad is also challenged on Saturday (2:15 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m./) on the Red Bull Ring. He currently takes third place in the overall ranking with 79 points.