Yuki Tsunoda will be replaced by Arvid Lindblad for FP1 at the British Grand Prix as Red Bull look to test their young talent ahead of a decision on their second seat

Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull future looks under threat(Image: Getty)

Red Bull have replaced Yuki Tsunoda with 17-year-old sensation Arvid Lindblad for the opening practice session at the British Grand Prix, marking a major milestone in the rising Briton’s early Formula 1 journey.

The announcement, made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko last week, underlines the team’s commitment to evaluating their young prospects on one of the sport’s most prestigious circuits. Lindblad – who also boasts Indian and Swedish ancestry – had already logged some track time at Imola earlier in the week and is now primed to test himself around Silverstone.

This decision coincides with ongoing scrutiny over Tsunoda’s long-term future at Red Bull, as his performances since being promoted from sister team Racing Bulls have failed to impress. The Japanese racer, who took over from Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s team-mate back in March, has failed to finish in the points in the past five consecutive Grands Prix.

His position with the team appears increasingly uncertain, with Lindblad emerging as a potential successor. The London-born talent has been making waves thanks to his rapid progress through the feeder series.

He once boldly told Lando Norris at age 11 that he’d reach F1 within five years, and now seems on track to fulfil that declaration. After gaining a superlicence exemption and completing a half-day testing stint in Italy for preparation, Lindblad is set for his FP1 bow at Silverstone – a landmark opportunity that could shape the trajectory of his racing career.

His self-belief and raw pace have already drawn parallels with Norris, as both exhibit a fearless racing mentality. Red Bull’s choice to bench Tsunoda for FP1 couldn’t come at a more precarious moment for the 25-year-old.

Arvid Lindblad is set to make his F1 debut this weekend(Image: Getty)

Though he has shown moments of potential, Tsunoda has fallen short of matching Verstappen’s speed. The team’s recent difficulties, including insufficient straight-line speed and persistent tyre degradation, as pointed out by Marko and team principal Christian Horner, have only added to the pressure on the struggling driver.

With Verstappen’s title hopes fading, currently sitting 61 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, Red Bull are clearly beginning to shift their focus to what’s next. Lindblad’s maiden appearance could be the first step in that transition.

The team’s history of advancing young stars – including Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel – supports the notion that Lindblad could quickly find himself in serious contention for a full-time drive.

Lindblad told Norris he’d be an F1 driver before his 18th birthday(Image: Getty Images)

For Tsunoda, Silverstone may be a make-or-break weekend. His disappointing outing in Austria, paired with Verstappen’s DNF, spotlighted the team’s vulnerability against a reinvigorated McLaren, who secured a fourth one-two finish this season.

With Lindblad now in the spotlight and Lawson bouncing back at Racing Bulls, Tsunoda must deliver consistent results to maintain his seat. Meanwhile, Lindblad’s FP1 appearance injects fresh intrigue into the British Grand Prix, as spectators wonder whether the teenager can rise to the occasion on familiar turf.

As the 2025 calendar hits its midpoint, Lindblad’s showing in FP1 could hint at a new chapter for Red Bull. For Tsunoda, time is running out to prove he deserves to stay alongside Verstappen.