Red Bull talent "impresses" team boss: "No question about that!"

Laurent Mekies was impressed by Red Bull talent Arvid Lindblad’s FP1 outing in Mexico City.

The Red Bull junior made his second free practice appearance of the 2025 season, taking over Max Verstappen’s car last Friday. In FP1, Lindblad set the sixth-fastest time at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Red Bull team principal Mekies was also encouraged by what he saw from the youngster.

He said: "I think he did a great job. It's so difficult to step up in FP1, so difficult. It's very different to test days, you don't have much tyres, you don't have many laps."

The Frenchman also praised Lindblad’s composed approach in the car.

He continued: "He just did a very, very good job. You have seen on the timesheets by yourself but he was very calm, gave all the right feedback, didn't put a foot wrong, didn't break the car. So, honestly, he has impressed us, no question about that.

Mekies also confirmed that the youngster will have more opportunities to test in 2025. "We look forward to the next time in the car towards the end of the year," he concluded.

Lindblad driving the RB21 in Mexico City - Photo: Race Pictures

Red Bull "not in a rush" to make decision on driver line-ups

In Mexico City, the Red Bull team boss also explained that they are not in a rush to decide on the team’s and Racing Bulls’ line-ups for 2026.

He said: "As much as we accept that everyone would like us to decide, we are not in a rush. We will take all the time we need. Give these guys as many chances as they can have to demonstrate on track who are the best."

Max Verstappen will certainly drive the RB22 next year, having already announced his decision at this year’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Rookie Isack Hadjar also enjoys 'seat security', although it remains to be confirmed which team he will represent in 2026.

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