Arvid Lindblad expressed satisfaction after his debut in Racing Bulls' 2026 challenger during the Barcelona Shakedown. The 18-year-old British rookie completed extensive mileage on Wednesday, adapting to the new regulations despite a rain delay. He highlighted the positive experience and the team's reliable performance.
The Barcelona Shakedown provided Arvid Lindblad with his first substantial opportunity to drive Racing Bulls' 2026 machine at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, Lindblad's session was postponed due to rain, allowing him to take the track on Wednesday following Liam Lawson's opening run on Monday. The day proceeded smoothly, with the team completing its program without major issues.
Reflecting on the experience, Lindblad said: “Really good. Obviously I was very happy to run today. The plan was to run yesterday but obviously with the rain it got delayed, so I was very excited to sort of get my first proper go this morning. I’ve really enjoyed the day, it’s been really good. We’ve run without really any problems, so full credit to everyone at VCARB and also at RBPT [Red Bull Powertrains] and Ford for the support. I think on that side, it’s been really good, and we got through the programme. There are some bits to work on, but generally I think it’s been a positive day and I’m happy with how it’s gone.”
Adapting to the 2026 technical regulations, which introduce significant changes to the cars, Lindblad noted the differences in driving dynamics. “I’m enjoying it. Obviously it’s very different to drive, so it’s exciting and it’s fun also obviously to drive in F1 but you feel it’s different,” he explained. “But it’s a journey for all of us because it is very different to what was there last year, so we’re all learning together. I’m enjoying the start of this journey.”
The rookie also praised the Red Bull Powertrains unit, developed in partnership with Ford for 2026—the first year both Red Bull teams will use their in-house engine. “Obviously there are a few things to improve but it’s been really impressive, I think,” Lindblad stated. “For the main part there haven’t really been any reliability problems – the issues I’m talking about, they’re relatively small. There are things that can be improved, but they’re much better than I was expecting.”
As the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, Lindblad remains focused on preparation. “I don’t know, I’ve got a lot to learn,” he admitted. “I’m just focused on working hard with the team, on the sim, here at the track, with the engineers, just trying to learn as much as I can, be a bit of a sponge on that side, and yeah, then we’ll see.” The shakedown continues with further running ahead of the Bahrain test.
