Jumping into a Formula 1 car for a practice session at the 2025 F1 Mexico City GP is a daunting task for any rookie. However, jumping into the championship-contending car of Max Verstappen adds a completely different layer of pressure.
Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad experienced just that during his FP1 outing at the 2025 F1 Mexico City GP, admitting the high-stakes nature of the session was front of mind. He ended up P6, in front of Yuki Tsunoda. However, his soft tyre lap came quite a bit later.
Despite the stress, the British driver’s performance impressed the Red Bull leadership as he led the rookies, with advison Dr. Helmut Marko offering significant praise for the rookie’s composure and, crucially, his technical feedback.
Lindblad on managing the pressure in FP1 at F1 Mexico City GP
Speaking after the session to Sky Sports, Lindblad confirmed he was well aware of the stakes. Before he even got in the car, they reminded him of the championship context.
“Yeah, I was given the pep talk beforehand,” Lindblad said. “So, yeah, it was slightly different type of pressure going into the session. It was a bit of a weird feeling.”
The primary directive was clear for Lindblad at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix: do not damage the car.
“It’s not something you, obviously, you never wnat to crash, but there was even more emphasis on that, obviously, in the session because of that amazing job the team have done over the last couple of races to bring themselves into the championship,” he explained.
Despite these external warnings, Lindblad blocked the noise out once the helmet was on. “So, yeah, it wasn’t easy on that side, but I just, when the visor went down, I just focused on driving.”
Marko: “He still delivered”
That kind of focus by the Red Bull junior did not go unnoticed.
Dr. Helmut Marko, known for his high standards, praised Lindblad’s execution under the circumstances.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Marko confirmed the team’s directive.
“He did a solid job,” said Marko. “I mean it was a difficult situation for him, everybody told him don’t do anything wrong, don’t crash… but he still delivered, he was by far the fastest rookie and his technical feedback was also very impressive.”
Marko even suggested that such FP1 evaluations are now more valuable than results from the feeder series. “This [FP1 running in an F1 car] shows the real potential,” he stated.
Above all, it was Lindblad’s feedback that earned the highest praise. “He never got excited, he was calm, and the technical feedback had profound influence. It was a very… exact definition.”
“Used to getting thrown in the deep end”
Lindblad’s ability to perform under pressure may come from his rapid progression through the junior ranks. He described this as being “fast-tracked”.
When asked if this rapid rise means he feels ready for a full-time F1 seat, Lindblad gave a candid and self-assured response, acknowledging the challenge while backing his own adaptibility.
“I’ve come through the ranks very fast. So, I’m used to getting thrown in the deep end and having to figure it out,” he said.
“So, to sit here and tell you now if I’m ready, I don’t know, but I’ve got experience being thrown in the deep end and having to wait to figure it out. So, I believe in myself that if that’s the case, I’ll find a way.”
