Young talents Arvid Lindblad and Paul Aron made appearances during Free Practice 1 at the F1 British GP, getting behind the wheel for Red Bull and Sauber respectively. Both drivers spoke positively about the experience.
Lindblad delighted after “amazing” practice session
Lindblad described his first official F1 session as “amazing” after stepping into Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull during FP1 at Silverstone.
He was granted his Super Licence in June, after Red Bull submitted a request for an exemption for the seventeen-year-old. The Red Bull junior completed 22 laps and finished the session 14th on the timesheets.
“It was amazing,” Lindblad said post-FP1.
“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 whether he had been cautious not to push too hard, Lindblad explained: “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.”
Main focus still on Formula 2, but already itching to “get another go” in an F1 car
Lindblad reiterated that his “main job” is still Formula 2, where he is currently 6th in the standings. He noted that his time with Red Bull has been limited but praised the team’s ongoing support.
“Obviously I am racing in F2 so that’s my main job,” Lindblad said.
“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 added that he can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.
“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.”
Paul Aron grateful for opportunity to take part in FP1
Lindblad wasn’t the only rookie in action during the morning session ahead of the F1 British GP, as Aron also took to the track, stepping in for Nico Hülkenberg at Sauber.
The Alpine reserve driver took part thanks to an agreement between the two teams to share his services. After the session, Aron expressed his appreciation to both Sauber and Alpine for making the debut possible.
“It was amazing, to be honest, and first of all a massive thank you to Sauber and to Alpine,” Aron said.
“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.”
Aron shared his hopes of earning a permanent F1 seat in the future, but remained measured in his approach.
“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.”
