Red Bull junior having ‘positive’ Helmut Marko meetings amid unclaimed 2025 RB seat

Follow us on Google Discover

The summer break gave Red Bull Racing the opportunity to swap their drivers if they wished as they fight to keep their grasp on the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship.

Sergio Perez has been offered another chance to prove he’s the right man to help Red Bull win their third straight championship.

Based on his performances since the Miami Grand Prix, it’s unclear what Red Bull are expecting Perez to do in the upcoming races, but ultimately there was a standout candidate to replace him.

Yuki Tsunoda was never in contention for a promotion and Daniel Ricciardo is yet to sign a deal confirming he’ll be on the grid in 2025.

Red Bull could have taken a risk on reserve driver Liam Lawson especially considering the team are required to give him a race seat next year to avoid him being allowed to leave for free next year.

However, Red Bull also have several junior drivers who are progressing quickly through the ranks hoping to make their marks in Formula 1 sooner rather than later.

Isack Hadjar is leading the Formula 2 championship and has already taken part in an FP1 session this year.

Speaking to GP Blog, Formula 3 title hopeful Arvid Lindblad was talking about his relationship with Helmut Marko amid uncertainty in both Red Bull teams.

Lindblad is only 16 years old and the youngest driver in F3 this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from racking up four victories – more than any other driver.

While being promoted to F1 is unlikely to be on the cards for 2025, Lindblad is pushing hard to prove that he’s the next young talent Red Bull should be backing to make it all the way to the top.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Arvid Lindblad opens up on relationship with Red Bull chief Helmut Marko

Talking about his experiences with Marko, Lindblad said: “The last few weekends we’ve of had a meeting, normally on the Saturday or Sunday, just to discuss how things are going and stuff like this and in general it’s been quite positive.

“Obviously, pointing out a few things still to work on, but in general, it’s been quite good.

“There’s not loads of communication, I have worked with Helmut, the boss, so you just kind of communicate with him on the weekends.

“But other than that, there’s not much going on, just some updates and some feedback from his side. But other than that, I think [it’s been] good.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Visa Cash App RB F1 Team from team principal to Red Bull relationship

How close is Arvid Lindblad to reaching Formula 1?

There’s only one round of the Formula 3 championship remaining and it would be a surprise if Lindblad was able to win the title in his rookie season.

A poor qualifying session at Spa ultimately cost him the chance to score points and Leonardo Fornaroli was able to open up a 16-point gap on the young Brit.

However, the next step for Lindblad is almost certainly Formula 2 this year having proved he’s at a good enough level to move on from F3.

Lawson and Hadjar are the two drivers ahead of Lindblad in the pecking order, with Pepe Marti also racing in F2 as part of Red Bull’s junior program, although his season has been littered with inconsistent performances and technical issues.

Marko is a big fan of Hadjar and Lindblad and believes both drivers have the potential to be Formula 1 quality.

Ricciardo and Perez’s fates will be determined in the coming races and if they both move on ahead of 2025 then Lawson and Hadjar might be in luck.

After that, Lindblad needs to make sure he’s the next in line for a promotion to the pinnacle of motorsport.