Helmut Marko was encouraged by young driver Arvid Lindblad’s FP1 performance in Mexico City. "Lindblad was even faster than Yuki in Mexico (in practice) with the same program. Definitely a man for the future."
- Helmut MarkoThe current Formula 2 driver took part in his second FP1 session two weeks ago at the Mexico City Grand Prix, sitting in
Max Verstappen’s car.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was satisfied with the young Briton’s run, noting that he was quicker than current
Red Bull Racing driver
Yuki Tsunoda.
He told Austrian medium Kronen Zeitung: "Lindblad was even faster than Yuki in Mexico (in practice) with the same program. Definitely a man for the future."
After the Grand Prix in Mexico, Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies shared that they are
not in a rush to make a decision about their 2026 line-ups, delaying the announcement until the end of the year.
Verstappen and Tsunoda in the Mexico paddock - Photo: Race Pictures
Red Bull needs Tsunoda in the battle for P2 in the constructors' standings
While McLaren already secured its second consecutive constructors’ world title at the Singapore Grand Prix, the battle for second place remains a close one. Only 10 points separate Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull.
Currently, the Scuderia has the upper hand after Charles Leclerc finished second in Mexico City, and Hamilton scored four points after crossing the finish line in P8.
The battle for second place
| Position | Constructors | Points |
| P2 | Ferrari | 356 |
| P3 | Mercedes | 355 |
| P4 | Red Bull Racing | 346 |
Marko explained that it is important for Red Bull that Tsunoda also scores points alongside Verstappen after the Japanese driver finished 11th last time out.
He said: "There's still a lot of money at stake, and we're currently fourth, only ten points away from second place. And Yuki is showing an upward trend."
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