Yuki Tsunoda Steps Aside for Arvid Lindblad in Abu Dhabi FP1

Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda will miss FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with new Racing Bulls recruit Arvid Lindblad taking his place in the RB21. This move follows Red Bull's recent announcement that Tsunoda will lose his full-time seat at the end of the 2025 season, making way for Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen in F1 2026. Lindblad, promoted from F2, is set to join Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, leaving Tsunoda without a primary drive but transitioning into a test and reserve role for Red Bull.

Why it matters:

• Tsunoda's absence in FP1 is more than a routine rookie session; it underscores his changing role within the Red Bull family following his demotion from a full-time F1 seat. This driver shuffle for 2026 is a significant realignment for both Red Bull Racing and its sister team, Racing Bulls.
• The move allows Lindblad, a promising Red Bull junior, crucial track time in an official F1 session, demonstrating Red Bull's commitment to nurturing its young talent pipeline and preparing for future seasons.

The details:

• Driver Swap: Arvid Lindblad will drive Yuki Tsunoda's RB21 during the first practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• F1 Rookie Rule: Teams are mandated to field a rookie driver (defined as having started no more than two Grands Prix) in at least two FP1 sessions per car each season. Verstappen previously sat out FP1 in Bahrain and Mexico, fulfilling one of Red Bull's requirements.
• Lindblad's Prior Experience: Lindblad made his official F1 weekend debut at the British Grand Prix FP1 in July, where he impressed. He also substituted for Verstappen in Mexico, notably clocking a lap time a tenth faster than Tsunoda.
• Tsunoda's Future: Following his demotion for F1 2026, Tsunoda will transition to a test and reserve driver role for Red Bull, maintaining a presence within the team despite losing his race seat.

What's next:

This FP1 appearance for Lindblad is a clear signal of Red Bull's future plans and their ongoing investment in their driver development program. While Tsunoda faces a setback, his defiant message on social media indicates his determination to prove his worth and fight for a return to a full-time F1 grid position. The 2026 season will see a significant shake-up in the Red Bull and Racing Bulls lineups, with a new generation of talent stepping into the spotlight.