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Although Helmut Marko is no longer associated with Red Bull Racing, he’s already previewing the upcoming Formula 1 season and has rookie Arvid Lindblad in his sights.
One of Helmut Marko’s final actions before leaving Red Bull was to decide that it was time for Arvid Lindblad to be promoted into a Racing Bulls seat.
Marko reportedly cost Red Bull thousands with his decision to try to sign Alex Dunne, and the team were forced to swiftly reverse that decision.
However, Lindblad’s promotion was seen in a far more positive light, and now the 18-year-old is getting ready to make his F1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix.
Arvid Lindblad has impressed Racing Bulls in testing so far… How will he compare to Liam Lawson this season?
Let us know in the comments below!
His teammate will be Liam Lawson, who, despite making his debut in 2023, is only now preparing for the opening race of the year as a Racing Bulls driver.
Lawson had to settle for being a stand-in during the 2023 and 2024 campaign before the 2025 season started in spectacularly bad fashion alongside Max Verstappen.
Marko has sent warnings to Lawson in the past, and despite the fact that he no longer has to fear the veteran Austrian’s phone calls, his latest verdict on Lindblad’s chances could be cause for concern for the 23-year-old.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about former Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko
Helmut Marko backs Arvid Lindblad to succeed under new F1 regulations alongside Liam Lawson
Marko was speaking to Blick and previewing the 2026 campaign, and he explained: “We all don’t know what to expect. Computer games on the steering wheel might not be good for the image, but let’s stay positive.
“The software specialists are now more important than the drivers! They have to write a new program for almost every race. And the driver is back in school every time.”
When asked which drivers will learn the fastest to adapt to the new regulations, Marko said: “It’s difficult to make a prediction.
“But there are some intelligent drivers. Like Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls, for example.”
Where will Arvid Lindblad rank among Formula 1’s recent rookies?
Lawson has entered the final year of his Racing Bulls deal, and will know that unless he beats Lindblad this season, his F1 future is at risk.
The 18-year-old’s representative times during the shakedown in Barcelona were encouraging, and Lindblad’s only going to improve as the season goes on.
If he is as quick to adapt as Marko predicts, then Lawson could be the next driver to lose his seat within the Red Bull family.
READ MORE: Who is 2026 Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad? Everything you need to know
Helmut Marko calls out Mercedes ‘slight advantage’ and tells Red Bull how to keep Max Verstappen happy
Looking at the broader picture on the Formula 1 grid, Marko thinks Toto Wolff’s Mercedes outfit might be the team to beat.
Mercedes have long held an interest in Verstappen, and on top of predicting the upcoming campaign, he’s also told team principal Laurent Mekies what he must ensure to keep the four-time world champion under the Red Bull umbrella.
Marko said: “Mercedes seems to have a slight advantage. But can they translate it all into success?
“Because fuel also plays a crucial role this time. Red Bull has done well with their own engine so far – and they need to if they want to keep Verstappen happy.
“It will be interesting to see who did their homework in Barcelona. But cooling the crucial battery could be problematic.
“The many unknowns will surprise some. And don’t forget: the new minimum weight of 770 kilos (with driver) also plays a key role.”
Lawson knows he needs a strong start against Lindblad to establish himself as the number one driver in the team.
Marko’s verdict on the teenager suggests that it won’t be easy, even if Fernando Alonso doesn’t envy Lindblad’s position.
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