Helmut Marko confirms FP1 outing for 17-year-old star

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed Arvid Lindblad will be handed an FP1 outing at the British Grand Prix later this year.

Lindblad was recently granted an early FIA super licence after Red Bull sought an exemption to the rule that requires any super licence holder to be 18 years of age.

The Briton does not turn 18 until August but is set to be handed his F1 weekend debut prior to the milestone birthday, becoming the first driver since Max Verstappen to drive during a grand prix event at 17 years old.

Speaking to Kleine Zeitung, Marko confirmed Lindblad “spent half a day in the car on Monday in Italy” to prepare himself in F1 machinery.

However, he will soon get a bigger opportunity at his home event, where he will make his first official session appearance - however Marko did not specify if it would be behind the wheel at Red Bull or Racing Bulls.

“He'll also be in the car for Friday's practice at Silverstone,” Marko added. 

“He stands out for his mental strength and self-confidence; his Swedish-Indian mix is ​​clearly very good for motorsport.”

F1 teams are required to hand four FP1 outings to rookie drivers. Red Bull already fielded Ayumu Iwasa in Bahrain earlier this year.

While Lindblad may be undergoing preparations for a future full-time driver, Marko stated the F2 racer's early-career outing is a consequence of Max Verstappen sitting perilously close to a race ban with 11 points on his super licence.

“We're preparing in case something really happens to Max Verstappen regarding his penalty points,” Marko added. 

“We currently have two reserve drivers: Lindblad and Ayumu Iwasa, whose Formula 1 schedules clash with his appearances in Japan. 

“We even had a deal with another team for some races; at one point, a reserve driver was even scheduled for three teams. 

“It's not that easy to find someone who's in top shape. And that's why Lindblad is in the car now.”