F1 fans are all saying the same thing as Arvid Lindblad outpaces Yuki Tsunoda at Mexican Grand Prix

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Formula 1 rookie Arvid Lindblad set the pace at Red Bull as he beat teammate Yuki Tsunoda in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The 18-year-old got his chance to impress the Red Bull hierarchy as he took Max Verstappen’s car during FP1. Nine rookies took part in the session, with Lindblad looking to put himself in the shop window for 2026.

The Red Bull junior, who is currently seventh in Formula 2, is in contention for a 2026 seat with Racing Bulls. In preparation, Red Bull are extensively testing Lindblad in private outings.

Meanwhile, Tsunoda is at risk of dropping out of F1, with it being unlikely for him to keep his seat at Red Bull in 2026. There is a chance that he could return to Racing Bulls, but he is facing competition from Lindblad and Liam Lawson.

Tsunoda would have been keen to put in some solid laps during FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix. But what he would not have foreseen was his 18-year-old teammate outpacing him, which may not sit well for his F1 future.

F1 fans label Yuki Tsunoda ’embarrassing’ after losing to Arvid Lindblad in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix

Lindblad finished the session in sixth, six tenths off the pace of Charles Leclerc at the top. Tsunoda was just under a tenth behind in eighth.

It was a close and difficult session to gauge, but F1 fans were not impressed with Tsunoda’s performance. They took to X (formerly Twitter) to blast the Japanese driver for losing to Lindblad.

“Bro cooked Yuki instantly,” said one fan, while another wrote: “Yuki behind Lindblad speaks more than thousands of words.”

One user said: “Embarrassing for Tsunoda, get us a proper second driver next year i’m so serious.” Another echoed: “Tsunoda.. I would already sign the termination and have Lindblad take over the entire weekend.”

“Congratulations Lindblad on your arrival to F1. I leave him totally exposed to Tsunoda. It’s time for the Japanese guy to say goodbye to the top category,” said another fan, seeing it as the end for Tsunoda’s F1 career.

Finally, one fan wrote: “Tsunoda finishing behind a rookie who has been told to take it easy and not risk breaking Max’s car. Yeeesh. Great effort from Lindblad to explain why he’s getting one of the four seats next year.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad including his parents

Is Arvid Lindblad Red Bull’s next Max Verstappen?

With this impressive outing, Lindblad will surely have put himself in good standing for a 2026 seat. Red Bull view the driver as a serious talent for the future.

So much so, Lindblad has been called Verstappen’s ‘successor’. The team see him as the next driver to lead them to greatness after the Dutchman and Sebastian Vettel.

However, being only 18, it could be argued that 2026 might be too soon for Lindblad. His F2 season has left something to be desired in 2025 as he sits seventh in the standings.

But Helmut Marko is willing to overlook Lindblad’s F2 results and promote him to Racing Bulls for next season. The Brit looks almost certain to be racing for the Faenza squad in 2026, with FP1 in Mexico being a bad omen for Tsunoda’s future.