Red Bull’s Last Resort Plan Revealed: Lindblad Ready to Step In for Verstappen Disqualification
Red Bull is leaving no stone unturned as they strategize for the remainder of the Formula 1 season. With Max Verstappen facing a potential disqualification, the team has unveiled their contingency plan, putting young talent Arvid Lindblad in the spotlight.
Following the recent Grand Prix in Canada, where Verstappen finished second behind George Russell, the Dutch driver expressed the challenges Red Bull is facing. Verstappen finds himself 43 points behind Oscar Piastri and acknowledges that the team is currently not on par with McLaren, especially after a disappointing performance in Spain.
Helmut Marko, the mastermind behind Red Bull’s racing operations, delved into the team’s development plans, emphasizing the urgency of their strategies for 2026. Marko revealed, “We have some updates coming in Austria that we will further refine at Silverstone. We can push development until Spa, but after that, our focus will shift entirely to 2026 due to technical production timelines and budget constraints.”
In the event of Verstappen’s disqualification, Arvid Lindblad is set to fill his shoes, potentially replacing Isack Hadjar. Marko expressed confidence in Lindblad’s abilities, stating, “He spent half a day in the car in Italy on Monday to prepare. He will also participate in the Friday free practice sessions at Silverstone. Lindblad stands out for his mental strength and confidence. His Swedish-Indian background is evidently a positive mix for motorsport.”
While Lindblad is the primary reserve driver, Ayumu Iwasa is also on standby. However, Iwasa’s Formula 1 commitments coincide with his racing duties in Japan, making Lindblad the frontrunner to step in if Verstappen faces any penalties. Red Bull is leaving nothing to chance as they gear up for any potential disruptions in Verstappen’s campaign.