Verstappen to have a temporary new teammate as Tsunoda steps aside
Co-author:Luke-John Buckle
Nicole MulderManaging Editor
Nicole Mulder is Managing Editor at GPblog and a specialist in Formula 1 and MotoGP. With years of experience and permanent FIA accreditation at Grands Prix worldwide, she delivers reliable coverage and insights based on direct access to drivers and the F1 paddock.
At Silverstone, Arvid Lindblad, as known, will make his first appearance in an official Formula 1 session. The British Red Bull Racing junior will, as expected, take Yuki Tsunoda's place in the RB21 and will thus temporarily be Max Verstappen's teammate.
Lindblad Temporarily Takes Over Red Bull Seat
The 17-year-old Lindblad will drive in the first free practice session ahead of the British Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing. "I'm incredibly excited to be driving during FP1. To participate in an official F1 session will be a very special moment, something I've dreamt of for a long time. Doing this with Oracle Red Bull Racing, after nearly five years in the junior program, makes it extra special,” he said.
Lindblad steps in during the race weekend where Tsunoda hopes to make a comeback. The Japanese driver had a frustrating time in Austria. “Austria was a tough weekend for us. I had high expectations, but unfortunately, things went completely differently than we wanted. We have to accept that and move on,” he said. “I feel more confident in the car every time, and that's why it's frustrating we couldn't take advantage of the pace in the long runs.”
Tsunoda takes some positive points from his season at Red Bull so far. “I've shown that we have the potential in qualification, now it's about getting the setup right and putting down a good lap, like in Canada – before the grid penalty.” He wants to prove himself this weekend: “I want to do well for the whole team and show my value.”
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Lindblad knows what he needs to do: “My goal is to quickly get up to speed, collect good data for Yuki and the team to help steer them in the right direction. And of course, to be as fast as possible myself! I can’t wait to hit the track.”
Arvid Lindblad to action in FP1 Silverstone for Red Bull.
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