Max Verstappen gives verdict on F1 hopeful labelled 'the next Max Verstappen'

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen has urged caution over the young star tipped to follow in his footsteps at Red Bull. The Dutchman will start today's British Grand Prix on pole after an exhilarating display in qualifying, as he bids to resurrect his hopes of a fifth straight drivers' title.

He's currently partnered with Yuki Tsunoda, after Liam Lawson was demoted just two races into the season. However, on Friday, it was the 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad who took the track with him at Silverstone for FP1. The English-born driver currently competes in Formula 2 as part of the Red Bull Junior Team.

His performance drew praise from fans, leading to inevitable early comparisons to Verstappen. The 27-year-old also admitted to being impressed with the teenager and praised the way senior management was handling him.

"I mean, from my side, he raced for my best friend's go-kart team, so I already had a bit of information on him, and he's great," he said. "He's very fast.. He just needs to do it step by step. The way that Red Bull is preparing him is good."

However, he laughed at suggestions Lindblad was already on track to become his successor, adding: "Being labelled as the next Max Verstappen, he should just be himself?

"That's what I think you need to focus on. I think that's also what he knows. He knows how to do that. He has good people around him who are like a mentor to him. And I'm happy for him, he's doing well.

Sounding caution, though, Verstappen reminded reporters the youngster still had a considerable way to go before being able to compete in a Grand Prix, adding: "Let's see what happens when he eventually can get into F1."

Speculation continues to mount that there will be a vacancy at Red Bull next year, with Verstappen linked to a dramatic switch to Mercedes. That could potentially leave the door open for an early elevation for Lindblad, who is likely to appear in another FP session before the F1 season is over.