Lindblad excited to get ‘first proper go’ in Racing Bulls’ 2026 challenger as he reflects on ‘journey’ of learning new car

Arvid Lindblad was left content after getting his “first proper go” in Racing Bulls’ 2026 machine during the Barcelona Shakedown, with the rookie admitting that he is enjoying the “start of this journey” in terms of adapting to the new car.

After Liam Lawson hit the track for the team’s opening run on Monday, Lindblad got his turn during Wednesday’s session and gained some extensive mileage throughout Day 3 of the event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Reflecting back on how his first day had gone, the Briton explained: “Really good. Obviously I was very happy to run today. The plan was to run yesterday but obviously with the rain it got delayed, so I was very excited to sort of get my first proper go this morning.

“I’ve really enjoyed the day, it’s been really good. We’ve run without really any problems, so full credit to everyone at VCARB and also at RBPT [Red Bull Powertrains] and Ford for the support. I think on that side, it’s been really good, and we got through the programme. There are some bits to work on, but generally I think it’s been a positive day and I’m happy with how it’s gone.”

Quizzed on how much he is enjoying getting to grips with the 2026 car – amid the introduction of new technical regulations into the sport – Lindblad responded: “I’m enjoying it. Obviously it’s very different to drive, so it’s exciting and it’s fun also obviously to drive in F1 but you feel it’s different.

“[I’m] thinking about, ‘how can I make a difference, how can I get the best out of all the different parts of the car’, because it is different to drive. But it’s a journey for all of us because it is very different to what was there last year, so we’re all learning together. I’m enjoying the start of this journey.”

Lindblad also spoke positively about his early impressions of the Red Bull Powertrains power unit, with 2026 marking the first season in which both Red Bull and Racing Bulls will run with their own engine.

“Obviously there are a few things to improve but it’s been really impressive, I think,” the 18-year-old said. “For the main part there haven’t really been any reliability problems – the issues I’m talking about, they’re relatively small.

“There are things that can be improved, but they’re much better than I was expecting. Massive credit to everyone at RBPT and Ford for helping put it together and to get to this point, and yeah, just looking forward to [getting] to work.”

As he gears up for his maiden season in Formula 1 – during which he will be the only rookie on the grid – Lindblad was also asked about how well prepared he feels for the campaign.

“I don’t know, I’ve got a lot to learn,” the new Racing Bulls driver answered. “If I’m entirely ready, I don’t know – it’s not really something I think about. I’m more thinking about how can I try to get more ready, what are the things that can help me learn to be in as best a position as possible when we get to Melbourne.

“So I’m just focused on working hard with the team, on the sim, here at the track, with the engineers, just trying to learn as much as I can, be a bit of a sponge on that side, and yeah, then we’ll see.”