Arvid Lindblad confident drivers can make bigger difference under 2026 F1 regulations

12:31, 16 Jan

byOlly Darcy

An "excited" Arvid Lindblad believes that drivers can "definitely" have more impact on their respective cars due to the 2026 regulations.

I think it's different, which makes it exciting because it's going to be a challenge.

- Arvid Lindblad

The 18-year-old will make his Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix with Racing Bulls, driving alongside Liam Lawson after replacing the departing Isack Hadjar, who made the move to Red Bull Racing.

Lindblad's work in F1 will now ramp up after Racing Bulls and Red Bull both unveiled their machines for the upcoming campaign in Detroit, becoming the first two teams to do so as focus now shifts towards winter testing.

The young talent has completed just one season in each junior Formula category before making the move to the pinnacle of motorsport, and in response to a question from GPblog in Detroit, the Brit explained what has surprised him since joining the Italian team.

Arvid Lindblad finished P6 in the 2025 Formula 2 season with 134 points - Photo: Race Pictures

"I think there are a lot more people, and obviously, the factory is much bigger than what I'm used to," Lindblad stated.

"Everything is a lot bigger, everything is much more professional. Everything's just on a bigger scale. That's sort of my first impression, but I'm sure there are a lot more things on that side that will amaze me, and there are new experiences to have on that side because I haven't even really driven yet.

"I'm only talking about my experience through the sim and at the factory, but I think there's a lot more on that side when we get to the track."

Lindblad ready to make an impact

With the regulation overhaul coming into effect for the 2026 season, plenty of discussions have centred around the different challenges drivers will face, with teammate Liam Lawson stating the different power units will be a different beast entirely.

However, an upbeat Lindblad believes that drivers can have a lot of impact on how the new power units will fare, inspiring the 18-year-old just weeks away from his debut race at Albert Park.

"Definitely. I think it's different, which makes it exciting because it's going to be a challenge," continued the Brit.

Arvid Lindblad with Liam Lawson at the Racing Bulls livery reveal in Detroit - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

"There are more things to manage, especially on the Power Unit side, so it's not going to be easy. Especially as a rookie, when you come in, there are more things in F1 that you have to deal with compared to F2 and stuff.

"I think this year, there's going to be even more, so on that side, it's going to be a challenge, and it won't be easy, but I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm lucky that the teams are very used to working with rookies. They've been really welcoming, really supportive so far, and I'm looking forward to this season getting started."

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