Red Bull prodigy lauds Marko as the reason for 'Formula 1 opportunity'

17:01, 27 Feb

byKada Sarkozi

Arvid Lindblad is grateful for the support he received from former Red Bull top advisor Helmut Marko.

"This opportunity wouldn't have come without him. That was a big reason why I've developed, because of him, he helped me to learn."

- Arvid Lindblad

Marko left Red Bull after the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Under the Austrian's guidance, many drivers graduated to F1, including four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

Lindblad was the final driver promoted while Marko was still part of the team. After spending a season in Formula 2, the prodigy will drive for Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson this year.

The British driver is very grateful for the guidance he received from the 82-year-old.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the rookie said: "He was the one who brought me onto the programme when I was 13, so I'm massively grateful.

"This opportunity wouldn't have come without him. That was a big reason why I've developed, because of him, he helped me to learn and stuff."

Arvid Lindblad in Bahrain - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Can Lindblad match Verstappen's rookie season?

Lindblad will be only 18 years old when the season begins next week in Australia. When asked whether he could match Verstappen's rookie results, he explained: "It's not easy now to say what's going to happen because there's so many unknowns.

"It's probably one of the biggest regulation changes there ever has been in F1. But I'm more seeing the flip side of that because of it. There's a lot of things with the team that we can learn together."

He added: "For starters, the team are always obviously they're very used to working with rookies and young drivers. They've been really supportive and welcoming so far.

"I'm really looking forward to sort of the work ahead this year. And we'll see what happens. It's difficult to put a number on it now."