Max Verstappen sat out first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix as British teenager Arvid Lindblad produced a superb audition for a promotion to a Formula 1 race seat in 2026

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Arvid Lindblad was impressive in Max Verstappen’s Red Bull during free practice in Mexico(Image: Getty Images)

Formula 1 may be a global sport, but Great Britain has always found a way to produce a constant stream of talented racers. Next year, nearly a quarter of the grid will be flying the Union Flag with teenager Arvid Lindblad on the cusp of becoming the fifth Brit on the F1 grid. Sixth, if you count London-born Alex Albon who races for Thailand, his mother’s homeland.

All eyes were on Red Bull prodigy Lindblad on Friday as he completed his final audition for a 2026 F1 seat with junior team Racing Bulls. And what a stage he was given: First practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, driving Max Verstappen’s car.

Yes, he needed to impress. But his first job amid the Dutchman’s late season title push was to not smash his Red Bull to smithereens. “I was given the pep talk beforehand,” Lindblad smirked.

“Obviously, you never want to crash and there was even more emphasis on that in this session, because of the amazing job the team have done over the last few races to bring themselves into the championship. It wasn’t easy on that side, but when the visor went down I just focused on driving.”

And what a job he did of it. There were nine rookies driving in that session and not only did Lindblad end the hour with the quickest time of all of them, but he was as high as sixth in the standings. He was a tenth of a second and two places higher than Yuki Tsunoda, who has five years of F1 experience, in the other Red Bull.

Lindblad, who only turned 18 in August, said: “There were a few mistakes, but I think I did a decent lap in the end. The main priority was just to not make any mistakes and give good feedback to the team, so I think from that side it has gone well. It’s quite nice to be near the top of the timesheets.”

In terms of proving himself ready to race in F1, there wasn’t much more Lindblad could have done in that session. Red Bull are expected to make a decision over their 2026 driver plans once this weekend’s action in Mexico City has concluded.

Isack Hadjar is a shoo-in to be Verstappen’s next team-mate, a reward for what has been a very impressive rookie year for the Frenchman. Lindblad has been in pole position for one of the available Racing Bulls seats for some time, despite an unspectacular first season in Formula 2.

Long-serving super adviser Helmut Marko didn’t give much away on that front, despite admitting he was “very impressed” by the teenager’s performance on Friday. Nor did Lindblad himself, who backed himself to succeed if given the call-up, even if he concedes he is not sure he is ready.

He said: “I’ve come through the ranks fast. I’m used to being thrown in the deep end and figuring it out. To sit here and tell you now if I’m ready, I don’t know, but I’ve got that experience. I believe in myself that, if that’s the case, I’ll find a way.”