Arvid Lindblad tests AlphaTauri AT04 at Imola as Red Bull eyes new F1 prospects. Lindblad vs Iwasa, Verstappen’s race ban threat, and Racing Bulls F1 2025 drama.
When you’re 17 and already have your hands on a Formula 1 car, the future is looking pretty fast — and bright. That’s exactly what happened for Red Bull junior driver Lindblad this week. The British prodigy, tipped to be one of the sport’s next big names, took on the Imola circuit in a 2023 AlphaTauri car as part of a crucial test under F1’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) rules.
But this wasn’t just another junior testing a car. With an FIA Super License exemption, some Red Bull F1 2025 lineup questions, and Max Verstappen’s uncertain future, this test carried a lot more weight than just laps and telemetry.
Let’s unpack the drama, excitement, and meaning behind the Arvid Lindblad F1 test at Imola.
Table of Contents
| Sr# | Headings |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction: A Star in the Making |
| 2 | Who is Arvid Lindblad? |
| 3 | The Imola Test: What Went Down |
| 4 | Lindblad vs Iwasa: A Tale of Two Rookies |
| 5 | Why the AlphaTauri AT04? |
| 6 | The Importance of a Super License |
| 7 | The FIA’s Role: Breaking Rules to Build Futures |
| 8 | Red Bull’s Driver Dilemma |
| 9 | Yuki Tsunoda’s 2025 Struggles |
| 10 | Liam Lawson’s Rocky Road |
| 11 | The Verstappen Wildcard |
| 12 | Red Bull Junior Academy: The Talent Pipeline |
| 13 | F1 Rookie FP1 Sessions: What’s Next? |
| 14 | Emilia-Romagna: A Historic Testing Ground |
| 15 | Conclusion: Is Lindblad Red Bull’s Future? |
1. Introduction: A Star in the Making
At just 17 years old, Arvid Lindblad has already caught the attention of the F1 world. With his hands tightly gripping the wheel of an AlphaTauri AT04 at Imola, it wasn’t just a test — it was a statement. A coming-of-age moment. Red Bull doesn’t just give anyone a Super License exemption. They do it when they see something extraordinary.
2. Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad isn’t just another name on the junior roster. He’s British, bold, and currently third in the 2025 Formula 2 Championship with two standout wins — one in a Feature Race, another in a Sprint. Known for his calculated aggression and race IQ beyond his years, Lindblad is often described as a “mini Verstappen.” The similarities go beyond their Red Bull ties.
3. The Imola Test: What Went Down
Held under TPC regulations, the test saw Lindblad take control of the AlphaTauri AT04 — a car last seen in the 2023 F1 season. Taking place at the legendary Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix circuit, he shared the testing duties with fellow junior Ayumu Iwasa. Lindblad drove in the morning and had two minor spins at the Variante Alta chicane but otherwise completed a solid session. Iwasa took over in the afternoon, but all eyes were already on Arvid.
4. Lindblad vs Iwasa: A Tale of Two Rookies
In the battle of juniors, Lindblad vs Iwasa tells an interesting story. While Iwasa has more mileage in F2, it’s Lindblad who’s generating the buzz. His confidence in the F1 machinery, combined with Red Bull’s willingness to back him with an FIA Super License exemption, suggests he might leapfrog his peers on the ladder to the big time.
5. Why the AlphaTauri AT04?
You might wonder, why test a car from 2023? Thanks to Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) rules, F1 teams are allowed to test with older cars to help junior drivers familiarize themselves with the machinery. The AlphaTauri AT04 is a solid choice — not too far removed from current spec but with enough differences to keep things manageable for a rookie.
6. The Importance of a Super License
To drive an F1 car during an official session, a driver needs an FIA Super License — a sort of golden ticket earned through race results and experience. But Lindblad got in with a rare FIA Super License exemption, approved just two weeks ago at the World Motorsport Council meeting in Macau. That’s not something the FIA does lightly, showing how serious Red Bull is about getting him into FP1 sessions in 2025.
7. The FIA’s Role: Breaking Rules to Build Futures
The FIA’s exemption for Lindblad raised eyebrows — and hopes. It shows that the governing body is willing to bend for genuine talent, especially when a top team like Red Bull makes the case. If Verstappen was the face of the new generation a decade ago, Lindblad might just be that for the next.
8. Red Bull’s Driver Dilemma
Red Bull’s 2025 driver lineup is a bit of a puzzle. Sergio Perez was let go after the 2024 season, and since then, things haven’t exactly clicked. Lindblad’s test is not happening in a vacuum — it’s part of a wider search for a strong, reliable second driver to support or succeed Verstappen, depending on what happens next.
9. Yuki Tsunoda’s 2025 Struggles
After joining Red Bull proper to replace Perez, Yuki Tsunoda has struggled in the RB21, especially after his home race in Japan. The pressure has only increased since the Verstappen-Mercedes rumors started swirling again. If Tsunoda doesn’t improve, Red Bull might look inward — and find Lindblad waiting.
10. Liam Lawson’s Rocky Road
Liam Lawson’s case is a cautionary tale. After just two races in 2025, he was demoted to Racing Bulls. His performance didn’t match Red Bull’s high standards, and now there’s speculation that Lindblad is being fast-tracked past him. It’s ruthless — but that’s Red Bull for you.
11. The Verstappen Wildcard
Let’s talk about the elephant in the garage: Max Verstappen. His recent collision with George Russell in Spain has brought him within one point of a race ban. Combine that with rumors linking him to Mercedes and Aston Martin, and Red Bull’s backup plan needs to be rock solid. Lindblad might just be that safety net.
12. Red Bull Junior Academy: The Talent Pipeline
From Vettel to Verstappen, Red Bull’s driver academy has produced champions. Lindblad is the latest in this legacy — and maybe the most polished junior they’ve had in years. His Imola test is proof that the academy still delivers, even in a hyper-competitive driver market.
13. F1 Rookie FP1 Sessions: What’s Next?
With his FIA Super License FIA waiver in place, Arvid Lindblad F1 debut might come as soon as a Friday Practice 1 session this year — possibly after the summer break. That’s where teams usually test young talent. Red Bull might just slide him into the Racing Bulls for a few dry runs.
14. Emilia-Romagna: A Historic Testing Ground
Imola isn’t just any circuit. It’s steeped in history, drama, and speed. Testing there isn’t a coincidence. Red Bull chose Emilia-Romagna for Lindblad’s first proper F1 test for a reason — it’s unforgiving, technical, and real. If you can master Imola, you’re ready for anything.
15. Conclusion: Is Lindblad Red Bull’s Future?
Is Arvid Lindblad the future of Red Bull? The signs are hard to ignore. A test at Imola, a Super License exemption, and a seat in F2 where he’s already bagged two wins — this is a driver on the rise. In a season where Red Bull’s driver lineup is full of uncertainty and drama, Lindblad might be the calm, confident answer they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of Arvid Lindblad testing an F1 car at Imola?
It marks his first major step towards entering Formula 1, signaling that Red Bull is seriously considering him for a future seat, especially given current team uncertainties.
2. Why did Lindblad need an FIA Super License exemption?
Lindblad hadn’t yet accumulated the full points needed under standard rules, so Red Bull filed for an exemption, which was granted due to his talent and F2 performance.
3. How did Lindblad perform during the Imola F1 test?
He completed a solid session with only two minor spins at the Variante Alta, showing maturity and promise behind the wheel of the AlphaTauri AT04.
4. Will Lindblad race in F1 in 2025?
While not confirmed, his test and Super License exemption strongly suggest he could appear in FP1 sessions and be a contender for a full-time seat in Racing Bulls F1 2025.
5. What’s the status of the current Red Bull driver lineup?
The lineup is uncertain with Tsunoda struggling, Lawson demoted, and Verstappen facing a race ban and transfer rumors, opening the door for Lindblad.
