Red Bull see Arvid Lindblad as Verstappen’s long-term successor beyond 2026

For now, Verstappen’s best move may be to wait. The new regulations will change the pecking order, and Red Bull’s first season with its own power unit will be worth evaluating before making any decisions about his future.

Helmut Marko views Arvid Lindblad as Max Verstappen’s ‘successor’ at Red Bull

Even with Verstappen’s future still in question, Red Bull’s driver development programme is showing signs of life again. Recent squad picks like Sergio Perez and Nyck de Vries were seen as departures from their usual approach due to a perceived lack of internal talent.

Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda haven’t quite hit the mark since their promotions. But there’s renewed buzz about the next wave of prospects coming through the ranks.

Isack Hadjar has already made a strong impression, arguably standing out as F1’s top rookie in 2025. He’s delivered 21 of Racing Bulls’ 28 points and currently sits inside the top 10 in the championship – no one’s done that for the junior team since Sebastian Vettel in 2008.

But while Hadjar is making headlines, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko reportedly sees 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad as the true long-term heir to Verstappen.

Arvid Lindblad back in contention for Formula 2 championship

Lindblad, who was granted a special superlicence dispensation by the FIA before turning 18, currently sits third in the F2 standings, just eight points behind leader Alex Dunne. He recently celebrated his second win of the season.

Helmut Marko is reportedly “very charmed” by the youngster, believing he has the talent and temperament to eventually fill Verstappen’s shoes as Red Bull’s lead driver.

Red Bull plans Lindblad FP1 appearances as driver pathway shields Lawson

Reports suggest Red Bull will give Lindblad several FP1 outings later this season as part of his gradual integration into F1. His path to a full-time seat looks clear, especially given the current state of the Racing Bulls lineup.

Yuki Tsunoda is out of contract and unlikely to be retained, while Isack Hadjar is expected to step up to the main Red Bull team. With few other candidates ready for promotion, Lindblad’s rise shouldn’t come at Liam Lawson’s expense. The Kiwi is set to stay on, benefiting from the wider reshuffle.

Lindblad finished his F3 campaign fourth overall before heading to Oceania, where he took a dominant championship win during the winter. His rapid progress has only fuelled excitement about what’s to come.