Arvid Lindblad expressed satisfaction after his first time on track with Racing Bulls at the 2026 F1 Barcelona shakedown, highlighting that the team hasn’t faced any major issues.
Smooth start at 2026 F1 Barcelona shakedown for Arvid Lindblad
The five-day Barcelona shakedown allows Lindblad to build confidence in the new Racing Bulls car and test its limits ahead of the 2026 season.
“Yeah, really good. Yeah, obviously was very happy to run today,” he said after his first day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. “The plan was to run yesterday, but obviously with the rain it got delayed. So, I was very excited to get my sort of first proper go this morning. And yeah, I’ve really enjoyed the day. It’s been really good.”
He added: “We’ve run, you know, without really any problems, so full credit to everyone at VCARB and also RBPT and Ford, for the support. I think on that side it’s been really good. Yeah, we’ve got through the program. There’s some bits to work on, but generally, I think it’s been a positive day, and I’m happy with how it’s gone.”
VCARB03 “different to drive”
Before becoming a full-time F1 driver, Lindblad drove the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls cars during the 2025 FP1 sessions at Silverstone, Mexico City, and Abu Dhabi. However, with the major 2026 regulatory changes, he revealed that the new VCARB03 is a very different experience from the 2025 car.
“Yeah, no, I’m enjoying it. I mean, obviously it’s very different to drive. So it’s, it’s exciting and it’s fun also to obviously to drive an F1 [car]. But you feel it’s different and thinking about how right? How can I make a difference? How can I get the best out of all the different parts of the car? ‘Cause it is different to drive,” he shared, noting his goal of learning how to extract maximum performance.
He added: “But no, it’s a journey for all of us, ‘cause it is very different to what was there last year. So we’re all learning together. And I’m enjoying the sort of start of this journey.”
Promising start for RBPT-Ford unit
Beyond Lindblad’s personal adjustment to the car, the 2026 F1 Barcelona shakedown is critical for the team to gaina better understanding of the 2026 changes. A key aspect of this is the new F1 power units, with Racing Bulls choosing to join forces with Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) and Ford to develop their own powertrains.
When asked about the power unit’s early impressions, regarding driveability, feel and sound, Lindblad said, “Yeah, I mean, obviously there’s a few things to improve. But it’s been really impressive, I think, for the main part.
“You know, there hasn’t really been any reliability problems. You know, the issues I’m talking about, they’re relatively small. You know, there’s things that can be improved, but they’re much better than I was expecting. So honestly, like massive, massive credit to everyone at RBPT and Ford. You know, for helping sort of put it together and to get to this point. And yeah, just looking forward to getting to work.”
F1 2026 debut preparations for Arvid Lindblad as Barcelona shakedown winds down
Five weeks remain until the 2026 F1 season opener and Lindblad’s debut in Melbourne. In the build-up to the season opener, pre-season testing will continue in Bahrain from February 11-13 and 18-20.
With the time ticking down, Lindblad shared his emotions and how he is preparing for his F1 debut.
“I don’t know. I mean, I’ve got a lot to learn. If I’m entirely ready, I don’t know. It’s not really something I think about,” he said. “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 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.”
