Racing Bulls warn Arvid Lindblad his 2026 F1 debut will be difficult
Brit Arvid Lindblad, 18, will debut in F1 with Racing Bulls in 2026, but team bosses Alan Permane and Peter Bayer say his first season will be a steep learning curve as the sport rolls out new regs.
Red Bull’s 18‑year‑old Brit Arvid Lindblad will debut in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls in 2026, but team bosses Alan Permane and Peter Bayer warn the step up will be a steep learning curve.
Why it matters:
Lindblad’s rise underscores Red Bull’s commitment to fast‑track junior talent, yet his inexperience adds uncertainty for Racing Bulls as the grid undergoes a full technical overhaul. How quickly he adapts could shape the team’s midfield fight and signal how new drivers cope with the 2026 regulations.
The details:
- Joined Red Bull junior program in Jan 2021 after karting success.
- Won the 2023 Formula Regional Oceania championship.
- In 2025 F2, took three wins and finished sixth overall.
- Promoted to Racing Bulls for 2026 alongside Liam Lawson; Yuki Tsunoda lost his seat.
- Only rookie on the 2026 grid; Permane and Bayer say the step up will be tough and he must master the new car and team processes.
- First test at Barcelona (26‑30 Jan) will be his first taste of the 2026 spec.
- Rapid junior progression: fourth in F3 and sixth in F2 as a rookie.
What's next:
Lindblad will focus on fitness, simulator work and feedback ahead of the Barcelona test. He stresses staying open‑minded and working hard, knowing the learning curve will stretch into the early races. A quick adaptation could let Racing Bulls punch above their weight and give Red Bull a fresh talent pipeline for the new era.