Max Verstappen to Miss Mexico GP Practice as Red Bull Hand Opportunity to Rising Star Arvid Lindblad
In a surprising yet strategic move, Red Bull Racing have confirmed that reigning world champion Max Verstappen will sit out the first practice session (FP1) at the upcoming Mexico Grand Prix, making way for the team’s young prospect Arvid Lindblad to take the wheel. The decision, though routine under FIA regulations, marks another major step in the rapid rise of the 18-year-old British-Italian driver who is being tipped as one of Red Bull’s brightest future stars.
A chance for the next generation
Lindblad’s participation in Mexico City will be his second official Formula 1 practice outing, following an impressive debut earlier this season at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. On that occasion, he handled the car with confidence and finished P14, earning praise from Red Bull engineers for his composure and adaptability.
This latest opportunity forms part of Red Bull’s compliance with the FIA’s “rookie driver rule,” which requires every F1 team to give at least two FP1 sessions per car during the season to drivers who have started fewer than two Grands Prix. So far, Red Bull have used Lindblad and Japanese racer Ayumu Iwasa to fulfill two of their four required rookie sessions for the year. With Lindblad stepping in for Verstappen this weekend, that tally will rise to three.
Team principal Christian Horner has been vocal about the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent through their renowned Red Bull Junior Programme, which has produced champions like Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Verstappen himself. Lindblad, who has been part of the program since his karting days, is seen as one of its most exciting prospects in recent years. His upcoming outing at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is viewed as both a reward for his steady progress and a test of his readiness for potential F1 promotion in the near future.
Verstappen’s absence won’t hinder Red Bull
While Verstappen’s absence from FP1 might seem significant, it is unlikely to disrupt his rhythm heading into the weekend. The Dutchman is a master of the Mexico circuit, having raced there nine times and claimed three consecutive victories between 2021 and 2023. His experience, combined with Red Bull’s extensive data and preparation, means he will lose little by skipping the opening session.
For Verstappen, the focus remains on maintaining his championship momentum. After a dominant performance at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, where he secured both the Sprint pole and main race victory, the 27-year-old reignited his pursuit of a fifth consecutive drivers’ title. His triumph in Texas, his third win in the last four races, has cut the gap to current championship leader Oscar Piastri to just 40 points, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Reflecting on his victory in Austin, Verstappen described it as a “perfect weekend,” emphasizing the importance of strategy and tyre management in securing the win.
> “I think what was crucial was the first stint where I could build a bit of a gap,” Verstappen explained after the race. “After that, it basically stabilised pretty much after the pit stop until the end. Tyre management was very important today, and it wasn’t straightforward because there were laps where you had a completely different feeling or balance — sometimes better, sometimes worse.”
He continued:
> “It was one of those days where you just needed to make no mistakes, stay consistent, and drive around the bumps as much as possible. But for us to win again today is incredible.”
Red Bull’s future driver picture
Lindblad’s growing involvement in F1 comes at a time of uncertainty within the Red Bull camp regarding its 2026 driver lineup. While Verstappen’s long-term future with the team is secure, questions surround the other three Red Bull-linked seats — those of Sergio Pérez at Red Bull and Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson at the sister team, RB.
Tsunoda, in particular, is reported to be under increasing pressure, with recent performances failing to meet expectations. Lindblad’s rapid progression through the junior ranks — coupled with his early exposure to F1 machinery — positions him as a serious contender for a seat in the near future. His performances in Formula 2 and during test sessions could play a decisive role in shaping Red Bull’s future driver lineup.
The bigger picture
The Mexico City Grand Prix is expected to be another high-altitude challenge, with thin air and engine cooling proving decisive factors. While Verstappen will miss FP1, he remains the favourite heading into the weekend thanks to his track record and Red Bull’s strong aerodynamic efficiency at this circuit.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Lindblad as he steps into the reigning champion’s car — a rare and invaluable opportunity to prove his worth in front of Red Bull’s senior management and the wider F1 paddock.
If he delivers another composed and competitive showing, it could further accelerate his path toward a full-time seat in Formula 1 — and perhaps signal the beginning of the next great Red Bull success story.
