Lindblad responds to being compared to Verstappen: Do the two really have similarities?

17:27, 18 Jun

Updated: 18:38, 18 Jun

byCas van de Kleut

Arvid Lindblad is often called 'the next Max Verstappen' by many people. The Briton is only seventeen years old, but he is already being labelled a major talent. He himself doesn't seem to be too concerned with the comparison with the four-time world champion.

GPblog asked the Red Bull junior what his biggest similarities with Verstappen are and in what aspects they differ. Lindblad responded, "It's hard to really compare. I mean, I'm still a lot younger than Max. It's nice to get a comparison to a four-time world champion, but I mean, I think it's hard to really compare us."

Lindblad discusses comparison with Verstappen

The Brit continued: "I don't really know how to answer your question to be honest. I'm just very focused on doing my best, driving fast and fighting hard. And maybe on that side you could say that there's some similarities, but I think all drivers are like that."

Currently, Lindblad is competing in Formula 2, where he is currently in third place in the championship, behind Alexander Dunne and Richard Verschoor. The difference between Dunne and Lindblad is just eight points, so the Brit still has a chance to become champion in his first season in Formula 2.

Lindblad to Formula 1?

In the past, it has often been difficult to make the step from Formula 2 to Formula 1. Champions like Felipe Drugovich and Theo Pourchaire have so far not secured a seat, and Nyck de Vries had to wait a long time after his title for a chance in the premier class of motorsport.

However, this season, there are more 'rookies' than ever before. Out of the drivers who raced in Formula 2 last year, five have already appeared in Formula 1 this year. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto have been there since the start of the season, while Franco Colapinto joined the club later on.

GPblog also asked Lindblad if he thinks that the development of the number of rookies in F1 could help him secure a seat.

The Red Bull junior responded: "It's good as a driver in Formula 2 because the F1 teams have awareness that the level in F2 at the moment is high. Also because those rookies are coming in and performing well. Which, yeah, shows that F2 is at a high level right now."

"So that's obviously a bonus to any of us drivers who are performing well in F2. I guess it's an indicator that we're also quite good based on how last year's drivers are currently performing. So yes, on that side, it's definitely a positive and it could open more doors."

However, Lindblad does not want to go too far ahead. "But at the end of the day, it's a bonus, but it doesn't really mean anything if I don't perform well. So all I'm focused on is trying to do a good job in F2 this year and keep having some good races and that's what's going to give me the best opportunity to be in Formula 1 next year."