Yuki Tsunoda replaced at British Grand Prix with Max Verstappen getting new team-mate

Red Bull have swapped Yuki Tsunoda out for 17-year-old prodigy Arvid Lindblad for the first practice session (FP1) at the British Grand Prix, marking a significant moment in the young Brit's burgeoning career. The decision, confirmed by Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko last week, signals the team's intent to test their junior talent on one of Formula 1's most iconic stages, with Lindblad - who also has Indian and Swedish heritage - getting some practice in at Imola earlier this week.

This move comes as questions continue to be raised about Tsunoda's long-term future with the team, as his performances in the 2025 season haven't been up to snuff. The Japanese driver, who replaced Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate in March, has finished outside the top 10 in each of the last five races. His future with the team is now hanging in the balance, with Landblad being lined up as his potential successor. The London-born youngster has been turning heads with his meteoric rise through the ranks.

He boldly told Lando Norris at age 11 that he'd reach F1 within five years, and is now making good on that promise. Having secured a superlicence exemption and spent half a day testing in Italy to prepare, Lindblad is poised to make his FP1 debut at his home Grand Prix, a moment that could prove pivotal for his career.

His confidence and talent have already drawn comparisons to Norris, with whom he shares a similar fearless approach. The decision to sideline Tsunoda for FP1 comes at an inconvenient time for the 25-year-old.

Despite flashes of brilliance, Tsunoda has struggled to match Verstappen's pace. Red Bull's recent challenges, including a lack of outright speed and tyre management issues noted by Marko and team principal Christian Horner, have intensified the pressure on Tsunoda.

With Verstappen's title hopes fading - he currently trails leader Oscar Piastri by 61 points in the Drivers' Championship - Red Bull are clearly looking to the future, and Lindblad's debut could be a sign of things to come. Their history of promoting young talent - such as Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel - lends weight to the idea that Lindblad could be fast-tracked into a race seat if he delivers.

For Tsunoda, the British Grand Prix represents a critical juncture. His nightmare race in Austria, coupled with Verstappen's DNF, highlighted Red Bull's struggles against a resurgent McLaren, who for the fourth time this season sealed a one-two finish.

With Lindblad waiting in the wings and Lawson peforming well for Racing Bulls recently, Tsunoda must find consistency to secure his future. Meanwhile, Lindblad's debut adds an exciting subplot to the Silverstone weekend, as fans eagerly wait to find out if the teenager can live up to the hype on home soil.

As the 2025 season reaches its halfway point, all eyes will be on Lindblad's performance in FP1 and whether it signals the beginning of a new era for Red Bull. For Tsunoda, the clock is ticking to prove he belongs alongside Verstappen.