Arvid Lindblad raced his way to an impressive first feature race victory in Formula 2 at the Spanish GP. The Brit currently sits third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship after an incredibly strong first half of the season.
When speaking to media, including Pit Debrief, Lindblad expressed his optimism about the team’s next rounds after an impressive first half of the season for Campos Racing.
“I think the season’s gone well so far. We have like a good momentum at the moment. We’ve been improving well across the last few rounds. I’m hoping that that’s all going to keep going and we’re going to have a really strong next block. That’s definitely the goal.”
Learning curves to overcome
When asked by Pit Debrief, if there are any rounds that stood out to him and any learning curves he had to overcome with the switch to F2, the driver responded:
“I’d say the learning curve was sort of just, I knew it was going to be a big challenge just because I’m quite inexperienced and it’s another big step up. I’d say the things that stood out the most were the expected new things, with the two compounds, having to deal with that in both the feature race but also between FP and quali, having a step there, which was new.
Then also just the pit stops and the whole strategy and stuff. Those are sort of the things that were the newest and took a bit of time to get used to. I’m still working on them and I can still be better at it, but those are sort of the biggest challenges at the moment.”
He continued on to answer the second part of the question simply stating:
“And then rounds that stand out, I don’t know, I think they all stand out for their own reasons. So I don’t know, I really don’t know. I wouldn’t say there is any that stand out, it depends how you look at it”
Lindblad awarded Super License
Recently, the FIA approved a request for Lindblad to be awarded a Super License. The Red Bull junior follows in the footsteps of Kimi Antonelli, who was granted a Super License under special conditions last year despite not being 18-years-old yet, and not having a valid drivers license.
The FIA can make an exception to grant a young driver the Super License if they deem said driver to “have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in a single-seater formula car competition”.
When asked about receiving the Super License, the Campos Racing driver stated his excitement, saying:
“I’m very, very thankful and very proud to be awarded the Super License and to have the opportunity to participate in Formula 1 sessions. Whether that happen or not, I don’t know. I need to talk to Red Bull about that, but definitely very happy to be able to do it.”
The young talent was also asked if there have been talks with Red Bull about what would happen if Max Verstappen picks up another penalty point, which would lead to a race ban for the F1 driver. Lindblad expressed that he has “not been involved in those conversations”. Additionally, he mentioned that the Super License was requested in February and that it is “much more of a coincidence that it’s been approved at a time Max is a bit on edge of the points“.
Consistent and impressive in F2 despite unique F3 season
The 17-year old has been consistently improving throughout the season, managing to secure points in every round, except for the first round in Australia, where the feature race ended up being cancelled. When the question of if his consistency was expected and how much of a change it is from F3 last year came up, Lindblad responded:
“To be honest, I didn’t even realize that I’d been in the points basically every race until after Barcelona. We’ve been quite competitive this year. We’ve been strong almost in every race. I think just being consistent, the team have done a really good job.”
He continued on to explain that the F3 season last year was quite different than F2. While Lindblad finished fourth in the F3 championship in 2024, the last three rounds left him without point finishes. His consistency in F2 has already proved to be stronger.
“I think F3 was quite unique, I think it looked worse than what it was. There were a few things that happened, some mistakes and crucial moments from my side, and somethings that are out of my control that made it look quite bad at the end of the season. Looking more at this year, I’m happy with the consistency that we’re showing. It’s just about keep doing what we’re doing and working hard for the team. I think we can keep that going.”
Calm attitude to improve performance
The Red Bull junior has shown massive mental strength and composure this season. He already has his first pole position, sprint race and feature race win in his pocket. Showing that Lindblad has had a promising season so far.
When asked about if he has always had a calm attitude that focused on taking everything step by step, or if this has been learned over time, Lindblad responded:
“I’m aware that sometimes I can get a little bit carried away myself. So sometimes I say that also to convince myself to always stay in the moment. I feel like there wasn’t anyone who taught it to me, it’s just what feels natural, and also learning from myself is the way to perform the best. That’s really just my approach at the moment.”
The talents of the Red Bull program
Additionally, the Brit was asked being a part of the Red Bull junior team and if that has helped him develop a media presence as well as racing skills.
“I’m very fortunate to be part of the Red Bull program. I joined the program end of 2020, when I was thirteen. I’ve really grown through the ranks with Red Bull, and I’ve developed it mentally. I am where I am now partly because of them, so they played a massive role. I’m very grateful for the support they’ve given me. And then on the media side, to be honest I haven’t had any media training. And then media presence, I don’t know. I guess it’s just because I’m doing a decent job in F2 and in F3, so that’s kind of part of what happens.”
Arvid Lindblad has been compared to Formula One driver, Max Verstappen, several times. This comparison could partly be because they were both a part of the Red Bull program at a young age. They both showed impressive racing skills early on in their career. When asked about this comparison, the 17-year-old candidly responded that he wasn’t quite certain on how to answer the question, stating:
“It’s hard to really compare, I’m still a lot younger than Max. It’s nice to get a comparison to a four-time world champion, but I think it’s hard to really compare us. I’m just very focused on doing my best, driving fast, and fighting hard. And maybe on that side, you could say there are some similarities, but I think all drivers are like that.”
Preparing for Austria
The next F2 race weekend will take place at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, from June 27th to June 29th. Last year, the Red Bull junior finished P7 at this track in Formula 3 after qualifying second. This year, the Campos Racing driver will hope to have a stronger performance. Considering the season he’s had so far, it is likely that his position will be higher this time.
Lindblad was asked about the challenges of the Red Bull Ring, and if it is a track that he has not shown his full potential at. There was also a mention of Lindblad saying he struggled at this track when he made his debut in F4 at the circuit, in which he responded:
“I don’t remember saying that I struggled in F4. Maybe that’s because it was my very first race, so it was more the fact that I just was still learning how to drive the car than anything. I wouldn’t really say that’s the case. I mean, in the end, in F3 last year, I came in the points, It wasn’t amazing, but I qualified on the front row. I’m very optimistic going into the next week. I think we’ve got a good momentum at the moment. I’m feeling really comfortable with the team and the car. It was shown last year as well though Isaac [Hadjar] that the package is really strong there, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
He ended his answer by expressing that his focus will still be on delivering the best performance he can, stating:
“Obviously, it’s the home of Red Bull, which is nice to drive as a Red Bull driver. But to be honest, it doesn’t really bother me that much. I’m just focused on driving fast.”
Settling in with Campos Racing
Although it is Lindblad’s first season with Campos Racing, he appears to be comfortable and happy with the team. When asked about how different Campos has been to his prior teams and how useful the experience with them has been, the driver happily expressed:
“It’s been really good. I’ve been really enjoining working with Campos. I worked mostly with Prema in my junior series so far, being with them in F4 and F3. I’m still sort of getting used to basic Spanish culture, eating a lot of paella. I mean, the team are working really well. It’s different, yes, but on the other side, it’s also the same. They’re extremely motivated and hungry to win and always trying to find more performance. And I think that’s what I’m like as well. That’s why we’re getting along very well. I’ve been enjoying working with them a lot, mostly for that reason.”
The fight for the championship
The Red Bull junior was asked if he feels like he is truly in contention for the Formula 2 championship. Also if there is anything that needs improvement to ensure his place in the fight. As Lindblad currently has 79 points in third place, with only 8 points separating him from the championship leader Alex Dunne, the competition is tight.
“I haven’t really thought too much about the championship, but yes, we’re still coming towards the…it’s still early. We’re not even halfway yet, but yeah, I’ve been in the top three and we’ve been competitive over the last couple of rounds, which is what you need to be in the championship. I think there’s still a lot to improve on my side. Also some bits with the team as well. It’s still early days, but if we keep doing what we’re doing, keep going with this momentum and keep making steps forward, then I think we have all the tools to be in the fight, yes.”
Lindblad looks to be a real contender for the championship this year. Although there is still half a season to go, the Campos driver has continuously impressed. Putting himself exactly where he needs to be in order to be in the fight.
The hopes of a Formula One seat
Lastly, the Brit was asked about the development of getting many young drivers into Formula One. Specifically if this could help him get a seat next year or beyond. At the beginning of the 2025 season, six rookies joined the F1 grid. After not making any driver changes from the 2023 season to the beginning of the 2024 season, this was quite the switch. The young talents have shown incredible strength and performance so far. It is lovely to see so many young drivers being able to make their way up.
Lindblad expressed a similar sentiment. Explaining that the performance in F2 is at a high which is immensely promising for the next step.
“There’s a lot of rookies this year in F1, probably one of the most ever. I think it’s good as a driver in Formula 2 because the F1 teams have awareness that the level in F2 at the moment is high. Also because those rookies are coming in and performing well, which shows that F2 is at a high level right now. So that’s a bonus to any of us drivers who are performing well in F2. I guess it’s an indicator that we’re also quite good based on how last year’s drivers are currently performing. So yeah, on that side, it’s definitely a positive and it could open more doors.“
“But at the end of the day, it’s a bonus, but it doesn’t really mean anything if I don’t perform well. All I’m focused on is trying to do a good job in F2 this year, and keep having some good races. And that’s what’s going to give me the best opportunity to be in Formula 1 next year.”
