Racing Bulls impressed by rookie Lindblad's calm professionalism
Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane has expressed strong early approval of rookie Arvid Lindblad, comparing his calm, professional attitude and learning mindset directly to that of Isack Hadjar, who earned a promotion to Red Bull Racing after his own rookie year with the team.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has praised rookie driver Arvid Lindblad following a private shakedown test in Barcelona, drawing direct comparisons to the team's former driver and current Red Bull racer, Isack Hadjar. The 18-year-old Brit, who will partner Liam Lawson in 2026, impressed the team with his mature approach and clear feedback during his first run in the VCARB 01.
Why it matters:
The evaluation of a rookie in pre-season testing is critical for setting the tone of their debut campaign. Positive early feedback from senior figures like Permane and Chief Technical Officer Tim Goss suggests Lindblad is integrating smoothly into the Formula 1 environment, a vital step for any young driver in the high-pressure Red Bull system. His perceived similarity to Hadjar—who performed well enough at Racing Bulls to earn a promotion to the senior team—hints at a promising trajectory.
The details:
- Team principal Alan Permane highlighted Lindblad's calm demeanor and eagerness to learn, stating the rookie is "very cool – nothing seems to faze him."
- Permane explicitly compared him to Isack Hadjar, noting both share a relentless desire to absorb information and ask detailed questions about car handling and procedures.
- Chief Technical Officer Tim Goss echoed the sentiment, praising Lindblad's "really straightforward" feedback and professional attitude while adapting to the complex energy management systems of a modern F1 car.
- The private Barcelona test from January 26-30 served as Lindblad's first proper experience with the team's 2025 car, focusing on acclimatization rather than outright performance.
What's next:
The real benchmark for Lindblad and the updated VCARB 01 will come during the official pre-season tests in Bahrain.
- The team has scheduled two three-day sessions at the Bahrain International Circuit, from February 11-13 and again from February 18-20.
- These tests will provide a more competitive environment to assess his raw pace and race simulation capabilities against the entire grid.
- A strong showing could solidify his standing within the Red Bull driver program and set a positive foundation for his rookie season alongside the more experienced Lawson.