Oliver Bearman anticipates a ‘challenging introduction’ to Formula 1 for Arvid Lindblad. After six rookies started the 2025 season, the newly minted Racing Bulls driver is the only newcomer a year later. Lindblad’s debut season coincides with the implementation of new regulations, but according to Bearman, this could also be advantageous for the British-Swedish driver: ‘The new rules are somewhat of a leveler’.
Arvid Lindblad is on the cusp of his introduction to Formula 1. The Red Bull junior finished sixth in this year’s Formula 2 championship and will join Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls in 2026. Oliver Bearman – one of the six rookies in 2025 – foresees a ‘challenging introduction’ for next season’s sole rookie, as the regulations undergo significant changes.
“It will certainly be a challenge, but I believe that Arvid is a very talented driver,” Bearman tells the media in Abu Dhabi. “I was racing in Formula 2 with Prema when he was in Formula 3, and he performed very well throughout the year. Now, he has had a great season in Formula 2.” Lindblad won the sprint race on the Saturday of the last Grand Prix weekend in Abu Dhabi.
A Difficult Start
Bearman therefore believes that the British-Swedish driver certainly has the talent to make the transition to Formula 1. “But it will be a difficult start,” the young driver immediately warns. “The new rules will be somewhat of a leveler for the entire grid, as we all have so much to learn. The rookies who joined (in 2025) entered into a regulation that was already mature and with which all drivers had a lot of experience. While we were just starting with it. So there are pros and cons to every period in Formula 1.”
“I’m sure he would rather be with other newcomers on the grid, but I’m also sure he would rather be the only newcomer than not drive in F1. So that’s just the way it is,” Bearman concludes. Lindblad is the only new driver on the grid in 2026.
