Red Bull’s next young sensation may already be waiting in the wings, as 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad has catapulted himself into contention for a reserve driver role with both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls for 2025.
The British-Swedish driver clinched his FIA Super License last weekend by securing the Formula Regional Oceania Championship title in dominant fashion.
A highly rated member of Red Bull’s junior program, Lindblad has been making waves with his rapid rise through the junior categories.
His maiden Formula 3 campaign in 2023 saw him claim four victories and finish fourth overall, an impressive feat that followed his third-place finish in the 2023 Italian Formula 4 Championship.
The trip to New Zealand, however, was all about one thing: securing those crucial final points for his Super License—and he did so with two races to spare.
“What an incredible ride. Proud to be crowned FR Oceania Champion Lindblad,” said after the juniro series’ final round last weekend at Highlands Motorsport Park. .
“A huge shout-out to my team and everyone who’s been part of this journey. What an amazing few weeks in New Zealand – such a stunning place.”
Lindblad’s rapid progress has not gone unnoticed by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who has been keeping a close eye on the youngster’s development, while Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has also lavished praise on the young gun.
With a move to Formula 2 on the cards in 2025, Lindblad will join Campos Racing – the same outfit that fielded Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar last season.
However, his immediate future could be even more exciting. Red Bull has long valued a strong reserve driver line-up, both as an insurance policy and as a way of keeping its full-time drivers under pressure.
With Liam Lawson stepping up to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull over the winter and Hadjar filling Lawson’s former role alongside Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls, the reserve role is left unclaimed.
In theory, Ayumu Iwasa would have been next in line, having participated in two FP1 sessions and Abu Dhabi testing last year.
But with Iwasa’s close ties to Honda, which is set to part ways with Red Bull and join Aston Martin in 2026, the 23-year-old’s long-term future within the Red Bull setup is uncertain.
Inching Closer to Fulfilling a Dream
That opens the door for Lindblad, who, despite not turning 18 until August, is now eligible to race in Formula 1 thanks to recent FIA Super License rule adjustments that allow 17-year-olds to be granted exemptions “in exceptional circumstances”.
With Red Bull yet to confirm its reserve plans, Lindblad’s recent success and Red Bull’s trust in its junior pipeline make him a strong contender for the role.
If he gets the nod, he could find himself one step closer to his ultimate dream: racing in Formula 1.
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