Arvid Lindblad handed positive F1 verdict ahead of fifth race: ‘All ingredients are there’
Originally published by Motorsportweek
Arvid Lindblad is showing that “all the key ingredients are there” to continue his impressive start to his maiden Formula 1 campaign, according to mentor Oliver Rowland.
The young Englishman stands out particularly this year, as the only rookie on the grid, as well as having scored points on his debut in Australia.
Lindblad consistently has reigning Formula E champion Rowland in his corner, having been at his side at every Grand Prix that has not clashed with his schedule in the all-electric championship.
With the 18-year-old continuing to show maturity far beyond his years, this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix is, like last time out in Miami, a circuit he has not raced on before.
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And speaking exclusively to Motorsport Week, Rowland gave a frank assessment of his protege’s season so far.
“Up and down, which is to be expected,” he said. “I think, obviously, the first race was exceptional. Miami was a little bit disappointing and a lot for us to look at. So I think it’s not easy for him on a Sprint weekend, especially with reliability issues, missing Sprint race [in Miami].
“But all the key ingredients are there, and we just need to keep working hard. So it’s a case of up and down, but it’s quite normal when you’re a rookie”
All of Lindblad’s previous single-seater experiences will differ greatly from this year’s crop of new F1 machines, amid the new, increasingly-electrified regulations.
But Rowland pledged that he will be there to help Lindblad, as he confirmed that he will be present at the next three races in Montreal, Monaco and Barcelona.
“We have a good, fast teammate, Liam, who’s quite experienced now in Formula 1,” he said. “We have a really good group of people around him, and we analyse afterwards what he did well, what he did bad.
“I think the start was really good. Lots to learn from Miami, and probably Montreal won’t be the easiest, let’s say. But we’re there to keep an eye on it.”
Lindblad will be keen to make another good impression, and cement his status as another young talent in a string that has been produced by Red Bull over the years.