Arvid Lindblad marked an impressive milestone at the British Grand Prix with Red Bull, stepping into a Formula 1 car for the first time during Friday practice at Silverstone.
The 17-year-old caught the attention of the team’s top brass with his speed, composure, and insightful feedback, signalling a promising future within the junior program.
Lindblad stepped into Yuki Tsunoda’s RB21 for FP1, finishing 14th and just over half a second off Max Verstappen’s best lap time in his first F1 outing.
A year ago, he was winning both the Sprint and Feature races at Silverstone in Formula 3 before making the jump to Formula 2 this season with Campos Racing.
Currently sixth in the F2 championship with two victories, the Briton is on track to secure a bright future, especially amid uncertainty over Red Bull’s second driver seat.
His performance at the British GP earned high praise from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who reflected on Lindblad’s outing after the weekend.
“Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad took part in free practice for Red Bull Racing for the first time at Silverstone,” Marko told Speedweek in his latest column.
“In our opinion, the teenager did a great job – his speed was spot on, his comments were insightful, and the technicians are very satisfied with his performance.
“Lindblad was back in the car the week after the Silverstone Grand Prix, completing more than 100 laps and demonstrating excellent physical condition and competitive lap times.”
Prior to being asked to step down this week, the now-departed Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner also lauded Lindblad’s showing.
“I thought he equated himself very well,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I mean, he’s obviously another product of the junior team – he’s a talented young guy, only 17 years of age.
“To jump into the car here at this circuit, which is a tough circuit, to be only within half a second, I thought he equated himself very well.
“His feedback was clear and concise, and yeah, he’s definitely a prospect for the future.”
Lindblad thrilled by F1 debut and early integration into Red Bull program
The teenager was understandably thrilled with making his debut outing in an F1 car at Silverstone.
“Yeah, it was amazing – I’m extremely grateful to everyone at Red Bull for the opportunity, and yeah, amazing to get my first official F1 session,” he expressed.
Reflecting on his performance and the feedback he provided to the team, Lindblad added: “I think I did decent; I felt comfortable in the car and I think the speed was okay.
“I think I could definitely go a bit quicker with a few more laps, but I think considering it was my first time in a car, I’ve only done very limited running in an F1.
“For example, this weekend, I think it’s 13, 14 seconds quicker than F2. So the step is enormous.
“So I think all that considered, with a limited prep, I’m quite happy with the job today.”
When asked if he had started to feel embedded within the team, he explained: “A little bit, yeah.
“I mean, obviously I’m racing in Formula 2, so that’s my main job. But no, Red Bull have been really supportive.
“I’ve been working closely with the engineers for a little while now, getting more up to speed and understanding a bit the game and sort of the level here in F1. So no, it’s been really good.”
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