OSCAR GETS SOME STELLA BACKING

McLAREN are adamant flailing championship leader Oscar Piastri can stop the rot as Max Verstappen piles on the pressure.

- BY DAN MOXON

FORMULA ONE may be a global sport, but Great Britain has always found a way to produce a constant stream of talented racers.

Next year, nearly a quarter of the grid will be flying the Union Flag with teenager Arvid Lindblad (left) on the cusp of becoming the fifth Brit out there.

All eyes were on Red Bull prodigy Lindblad on Friday as he completed his final audition for a 2026 F1 seat with junior team Racing Bulls.

And what a stage he was given - first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, in Max Verstappen’s car. Yes, he needed to impress. But his first job amid the Dutchman’s late title push was to not smash his Red Bull (right).