Many young racers dream of securing a spot in the Red Bull ranks. The Austrian team’s training program has produced great champions such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen in a relatively short time. Moreover, numerous Formula 1 drivers began their careers at this academy. Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad is the next Red Bull promise. The 17-year-old Brit opens up about his training and the approach of the sometimes ‘scary’ Helmut Marko.
Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad is making his debut in Formula 2 with Campos Racing this year. Moreover, he secured a Formula 1 license last weekend. Therefore, it won’t be long before he also participates in training sessions in the premier class. In the Inside Line podcast, Lindblad talks about the tough training at Red Bull and working with the formidable Helmut Marko.
“At first, it’s quite difficult to find your place, because Helmut Marko is pretty scary,” he began with a laugh. “He is exactly the man you see on television – ruthless in his approach. Meeting him as a thirteen-year-old boy…”, Lindblad swallowed. “It was mainly the way he talks. Very direct and very Austrian. I had to get used to that at first. Besides, I saw him as the man who made Max (Verstappen) and Seb (Vettel) great. I just wanted to make sure I would be the next in that line.”
Striving for the Best for Each Other
“Nowadays, I talk to him very relaxed,” the young driver continued. “Of course, he lets me know when something goes wrong, but he has always been very good to me. I’ve heard some stories from other drivers, but I’ve been fortunate that it hasn’t happened to me yet,” Lindblad grinned. In the past, Helmut Marko could be relentless with drivers. Many young talents had to leave after just one season.
“Many people talk about his approach, and perhaps that is the biggest challenge,” Lindblad concluded. “It does add some pressure. But I simply see that he wants the best drivers in Formula 1. That’s ultimately the whole goal of the Red Bull training program. I just see it as an opportunity. They want to help me, they believe in me, and we want the best for each other. So in that sense, I don’t feel much pressure.”
