Lindblad reflects on ‘amazing’ FP1 debut with Red Bull at Silverstone

Arvid Lindblad hailed his first FP1 session as “amazing” after getting behind the wheel of Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull at the British Grand Prix, with the 17-year-old feeling that he did a “decent” job in his first outing during a Formula 1 weekend.

Lindblad – who was granted a Super Licence in June – recorded 22 laps in the session and classified in 14th on the timesheets, leaving the teenager pleased with the job that he had done.

“It was amazing,” the British driver reflected afterwards. “I am extremely grateful to everyone at Red Bull for the opportunity. Amazing to get my first official F1 session.

“I think I did decent, I felt comfortable in the car and I think the speed was okay. I think I could definitely go a bit quicker with a few more laps but, considering it was my first time in a car that I’ve only done very limited running in F1, I mean for example this weekend I think it is 13, 14 seconds quicker than F2, so the step is enormous.

“So, all that considered, with the limited prep I’m happy with the job today.”

Asked if it had been in his mindset to not push too hard, Lindblad responded: “I don’t know, I think the reality is these cars are so fast now, especially coming from what I’m used to, that my mental limit is lower than the car’s limit.

“My mentality going into the session was to really try and push knowing I would be under the limit of the car. So, no I was pushing out there.”

With Lindblad also competing in Formula 2 this weekend – in which he currently sits in sixth place of the standings – he admitted that his time with Red Bull was limited but also praised the squad for their support.

“Obviously I am racing in F2 so that’s my main job,” he explained. “But no, Red Bull have been really supportive, I have been working really closely with the engineers for a little while now, getting more up to speed and understanding a bit the game and sort of the level here in F1, so it has been really good.”

Lindblad is now keen to get another outing in a Formula 1 car, adding: “Definitely, as soon as the session was done, I really wanted to get another go. Especially after driving the F2, it felt quite a lot slower and worse.

“But no, I think it is one of those moments – I think most people, basically everyone doesn’t get the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car so just to get that opportunity I am extremely grateful for. And I am focused on working hard and doing a good job in F2 to be a full-time driver soon.”

Lindblad was not the only new face in action for the session, with Paul Aron also running for Kick Sauber in place of Nico Hulkenberg.

The Alpine reserve – who participated for the rival squad after a deal was agreed between the two sides to share his driving services – also shared positive words about the experience after jumping out of the car.

“It was amazing, to be honest, and first of all a massive thank you to Sauber and to Alpine,” said Aron. “I think it is not often two rivalling teams let a driver have a chance to drive in both of them, and obviously a massive thank you to Sauber for having the interest and giving me these FP1 opportunities, and to Alpine for letting me come here.

“And regarding the session, to be honest I felt I got up to speed a lot quicker than I expected. It was great to be at a Formula 1 weekend and knowing I am jumping into the car. This year I have been a reserve driver so I have come here and listened to the meetings but there is never a proper purpose behind it.

“I think yesterday I was telling everyone in the team that I haven’t felt that much adrenaline in the whole year basically, ever since I stopped racing in Formula 2. As for the first time, I knew that everything I was listening, I could apply as I was jumping into the car.”

In terms of whether he hopes to go on to get a race seat, Aron added: “Of course I hope for a race seat but, in the end, what I have learned also there is no point to hope to predict things in Formula 1. It is probably the most unpredictable environment I’ve ever been in in my life.

“From my side it is easy, I take every opportunity I am given, I try to do the best job at every opportunity and the rest is not up to me.

“I just try to focus on the things I can control and hopefully that is enough to earn me a seat, but you never know and, in the end, I need to accept the fact there are no guarantees. Just focus on my job and this FP1 for example, I really made sure to be in the moment, enjoy it and not think of any consequences.”