Arvid Lindblad opens up about his record-breaking journey to F2

It was a very good season for me in FIA Formula 3. I went into it knowing it might be really, really hard since it's an enormous jump from F4 to F3. I only did one 12 months in F4 in Italy after which went straight to F3 with Prema. I needed to ensure that I used to be giving my all on all fronts.

In the start, it wasn't even about winning; it was nearly getting in the highest ten and being competitive. We did a very good job within the winter, we prepared well, I worked hard, I got here to Bahrain and won my first race.

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Winning my debut was a special moment that filled me with a variety of confidence, especially after a difficult end to the 2023 season. It took some weight off my shoulders, but I knew I hadn't really achieved anything because OK, I won on my debut and I feel that I used to be the youngest F3 race winner in history [16 years, six months]however it was a sprint race. It wasn't a correct feature race, so I knew I had to enhance.

From that time on, there was tremendous growth and learning each time I got within the automotive. I’d say from my first test in Jerez to Silverstone [in July]I used to be learning and recovering. I broke quite a couple of records through the season: I became the youngest F3 race winner, winning the a centesimal race in the present era, with essentially the most wins in a single season and the best win percentage in F3.

It was a excellent 12 months and I'm glad with the way it turned out. It was an enormous challenge, I coped with it and achieved it. I'm very grateful to everyone at Red Bull, everyone at Prema and all my support team who helped me since it was an enormous challenge.

I've been working so much with Red Bull this 12 months. The head of the Driver Academy at Red Bull Racing is Guillaume Rocquelin – “Rocky”, who was Sebastian Vettel's race engineer when he won 4 world championships. He has extensive experience in motor sports, he knows what it takes to turn out to be a winner and what qualities are needed. He taught me so much on and off the track, so I actually have to thank him so much because while everyone played an enormous role this 12 months, he was one of the vital vital people.

Victory on his F3 debut in Bahrain underscored why Lindblad is extremely rated by Red Bull

Photo: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

It's tough to indicate up and have enough time to have the ability to compete. You really want to learn as much as you may each time you get within the automotive. There are so many more aspects to listen to and so many various variables in comparison with F4.

I feel F3 is exclusive, it has 30 cars and the tires probably have the shortest lifespan. There were so many sessions this 12 months that it was literally one lap and there was no point in even doing a second one because they were gone. You attempt to benefit from every learning opportunity, and preparation is incredibly vital.

I’m very glad to be a part of the BRDC SuperStars program. The whole British Racing Drivers Club is amazing. They have SuperStars of their lineup, which provides opportunities to us, young drivers. It's great to attract on that knowledge and experience and learn from other people on the club who’ve achieved a lot. There are a variety of world champions in all disciplines, so it was a incredible opportunity and with the ability to consult with them helped me so much this season.

Since the top of 2019, I actually have been playing karting in an Italian team. This will likely be my first Spanish team, so I'm looking forward to a distinct culture and a distinct atmosphere

I actually enjoyed my time at Prema Racing. I used to be very glad with the team and the environment and didn't really need to go away. Ultimately, like all of us, I'm attempting to get into Formula 1, and F2 and F3 are the categories that you must test yourself in. If you don't do that, you won't get this likelihood.

Red Bull has had a excellent partnership with Campos Racing this 12 months and I'm excited to work with them in F2 next 12 months. They're a very strong team and all the things I've seen and done to date is impressive, and I feel that translates on the race track. With Isaac Hadjar they won essentially the most feature races this season and he was fighting for the title, so I'm looking forward to next 12 months. I do know I'm in a very good place and I actually have a very good team around me.

It will likely be an interesting dynamic, because I actually have been playing karting in an Italian team for the reason that end of 2019. This will likely be my first Spanish team, so I'm looking forward to a distinct culture and a distinct atmosphere, but ultimately, from what I've seen to date, they’re really hungry to win and that's all. matters. It doesn't matter what race, nationality or gender you’re.

I need to win and I need to share common interests and keenness with the people I work with – that's what excites me essentially the most.

Can Lindblad go a step further and improve the F2 schedule next 12 months?

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool