Red Bull's probable F1 reserve obtains super license.

      The clear frontrunner for a position at Red Bull’s second Formula 1 team, Racing Bulls, is Arvid Lindblad. With Liam Lawson elevated to become Max Verstappen’s teammate this year, and rookie Isack Hadjar taking Lawson's place at Racing Bulls, the energy drink-owned F1 entity noticeably lacks a clear reserve driver for 2025. However, 17-year-old Lindblad, who was born in the UK, holds Swedish nationality and has Indian roots, made a significant impression on Red Bull during his debut season in Formula 3 last year, earning him a promotion to F2.

      Lindblad is clearly being expedited toward Formula 1, as his recent involvement in the Formula Regional Oceania series in New Zealand allowed him to accumulate enough points for an F1 super license. "Honestly, I don’t know all the ins and outs of it," he stated. "I was just informed, 'we want you to go to New Zealand, we want you to obtain the full super license before the F1 season begins.'

      "I understand that while things are looking promising, ultimately my F2 performance will determine whether I get an F1 chance, so that's my primary focus right now," Lindblad continued. Reports suggest that Red Bull is establishing a 'TPC' testing program for Lindblad this year, which will provide him with substantial experience in a two-year-old F1 car.

      "He is definitely our top (new) talent," remarked Red Bull F1 advisor Dr. Helmut Marko. "He is certainly making his way to the forefront through his impressive performances." La Gazzetta dello Sport also cites Marko referring to Lindblad as "the champion of tomorrow" in F1.

      "What distinguishes this young man is his sheer speed," the 81-year-old noted. "We are on the lookout for a new champion, and he might possess the necessary qualities. In one of the Formula 3 races, he overtook 10 or 14 drivers within a single lap," Marko commented. "He clinched the victory after starting last in challenging conditions, including wet and dry segments."

      Marko has consistently acknowledged that he evaluates potential future champions not solely on their on-track performances but also on their behavior off the track. Reflecting on his first encounter with Lindblad, the Austrian shared: "He and his father were present, but it was Arvid, despite being just 12 at the time, who guided the entire discussion.

      "He already had a precise vision and a clear plan for achieving it, and since then, he has steadily progressed."