Lindblad Replaces Tsunoda for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi FP1
Arvid Lindblad will replace Yuki Tsunoda in Red Bull's FP1 session in Abu Dhabi, fulfilling the team's final rookie driver obligation for the season. This strategic move aligns with F1's rookie mandate and positions Lindblad, a potential 2026 Racing Bulls candidate, in the main Red Bull car, showcasing the team's ongoing evaluation of its junior talent ahead of new regulations.
Yuki Tsunoda will be replaced by Arvid Lindblad during the first practice session in Abu Dhabi, fulfilling Red Bull's final rookie driver obligation for the season. This move is part of the FIA's mandate for teams to allocate at least two first free practice sessions per car to 'rookie drivers' annually.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's strategic placement of Arvid Lindblad, a strong contender for a future Racing Bulls seat, in the main Red Bull Racing car for this crucial rookie session highlights the team's ongoing assessment of its junior talent pool. While seemingly unusual given Lindblad's potential 2026 Racing Bulls role, the choice underscores the limited relevance of 2025 car experience for the new regulations set to arrive in 2026.
The Details:
- Formula 1 teams are mandated to allocate at least two first free practice sessions per car to 'rookie drivers' in 2025, totaling four sessions if both regular drivers are to participate in other practices.
- Max Verstappen previously ceded two FP1 sessions in 2025: one to Ayumu Iwasa in Bahrain and another to Lindblad in Mexico.
- Lindblad also replaced Yuki Tsunoda once during the British Grand Prix weekend.
- Lindblad's Abu Dhabi Appearance: Red Bull Racing confirmed that Arvid Lindblad will take over Yuki Tsunoda's seat for FP1 in Abu Dhabi, marking their final rookie session requirement.
- Racing Bulls' Rookie Plan: Ayumu Iwasa will make another appearance for Racing Bulls in Abu Dhabi, replacing Liam Lawson for the final time this season. Iwasa previously drove for Racing Bulls in Mexico.
- Rookie Exemption for Racing Bulls: Racing Bulls only needs to fulfill two rookie sessions because Isack Hadjar, who is already in the other car, counts as a rookie. His initial FP1 sessions in Australia and China satisfy the mandatory tests.
- Similar exemptions apply to Haas, Sauber, and Mercedes, who also only need to dedicate two sessions for one of their cars.
Between the lines:
The decision to place Lindblad in the Red Bull car, rather than the Racing Bulls car, is noteworthy. While it might seem to miss an opportunity for Lindblad to integrate with the Racing Bulls team, the impending 2026 regulation changes mean that extensive experience with the 2025 car offers little benefit for future car development. This suggests Red Bull is primarily focused on assessing his raw talent and adaptation to F1 machinery at the highest level.
What's next:
Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a test session is scheduled where both Ayumu Iwasa and Arvid Lindblad are expected to be in action again. It is highly probable that the two will switch teams for this test, allowing Lindblad to gain experience in the Racing Bulls car and further evaluate his fit for a potential 2026 seat.