Lindblad speaks out on rumors about Red Bull F1 debut

21:01, 19 Sep

Updated: 22:17, 19 Sep

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Co-author:Tobia Elia

bySandy van Wijngaarden

Arvid Lindblad has responded to rumors linking him to a Formula 1 seat for next season.

"We'll see what happens"

- Arvid Lindblad

In conversation with GPblog, Arvid Lindblad responded to the rumors about his future. In 2021, the Brit told Lando Norris that he would see him on the Formula 1 grid in five years. This claim seems to be increasingly realistic.

Does he still stand behind this statement? "It's a funny story. When I was five, when I started this journey, I had the dream of becoming Formula 1 World Champion. I had that same sort of determination and drive, what was it?, it was four years ago when I said that to Lando and I had the same today.

"We'll see what happens," he added. "Obviously it's quite cool that there's rumours being attached to me for next year in F1. But I still don't know about my future. I'm still very focused on F2. So yeah we'll see what happens."

Arvid Lindblad is frequently linked to a seat at Racing Bulls - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

What does Helmut Marko think of Lindblad's current performances?

Lindblad has been part of the Red Bull Junior Team for several years now. According to rumors, the Formula 2 driver would progress to a seat within Red Bull. But how does the top figures within the Junior Team see his current season in Formula 2?

"I joined the Red Bull programme at the end of 2020. So it's my fifth year. I'm very grateful to everyone at Red Bull, but especially Dr. Marko and Rocky (Guillaume Rocquelin, head of the Red Bull Junior Team, ed.) for helping me develop a lot through the ranks.

"To get an honest opinion, you have to ask them, what their view is on how my season's gone. It's not easy for me to answer. I think in general I've done a good job. There's been a lot of things that have been out of my control. So, I don't know. It's hard for me to answer how they see the year."

Are there any more free practice sessions in Formula 1 on the schedule?

During the British Grand Prix, Lindblad was allowed to drive his first practice session in Formula 1. He then sat in the RB21 next to Max Verstappen. Whether more opportunities will come to gain experience in an F1 car this year depends on how the rest of his F2 season goes, he explains.

"I don't know yet. I'd like to drive again. I had a lot of fun in Silverstone. We'll see. Like I said before, I'm just focused on F2, especially trying to have a good weekend here in Baku, because I think that will give me the best chance to be in an F1 car again."

Will Lindblad make his debut in the F1 next year?

Earlier this week, a German outlet reported that Lindblad will definitely be promoted to Racing Bulls next year. However, it is not certain yet. GPblog understands that a decision still has to be made on the team's line-up for next year.

There are still three seats available within the Red Bull family for 2026. At the moment, it seems that a spot will become available for Lindblad at Racing Bulls after a rumored promotion for Isack Hadjar to Red Bull Racing.

The 18-year-old is already in possession of a super license. According to Marko, more will be known about the two driver line-ups by the Grand Prix weekend in Mexico.

Lindblad is often labelled as the new Max Verstappen. Yet he stated earlier this year that it is difficult to draw a comparison between him and the four-time world champion.

About this, Verstappen said that Lindblad should indeed just focus on himself and he should not want to be the new Max.

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