Source: Official Team Post via X
Arvid Lindblad Surprises with P10 Finish from the Back at Malaysia GP
Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad defied expectations by securing a P10 finish after starting last at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Despite a challenging race, he managed to climb into the points, marking his fourth consecutive points finish.
Starting from the back of the grid is never ideal, yet Arvid Lindblad managed to turn a difficult start into a remarkable P10 finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia. The Racing Bulls driver faced the daunting task of beginning in P22 due to grid penalties from new engine components but navigated the race with strategic finesse.
The weather played a crucial role as Lindblad opted for intermediate tires on a track that was still damp, allowing him to leapfrog competitors struggling on slicks. As the race unfolded, a late retirement from Mercedes' George Russell and a slip-up by McLaren's Lando Norris behind the Safety Car paved the way for Lindblad's advancement into the points, marking his fourth consecutive points finish. "It's probably the busiest day of my F1 career," Lindblad remarked, reflecting on his rollercoaster day. "To be in the points from starting last is more than we could have ever imagined."
While Lindblad was thrilled with the outcome, he was candid about his personal performance. "I'm not that happy with my own performance. There was some good stuff, but I was too slow in the middle of the race," he admitted, noting a need to improve his long-run pace compared to his qualifying efforts. Despite this, he praised his team for their role in achieving the result.
It wasn't just Lindblad who had a day to remember; his teammate Liam Lawson finished in seventh place. Lawson's impressive start saw him battle with eventual race winner Max Verstappen for third place, a testament to Racing Bulls' strategic decision-making. This strong team performance allowed Racing Bulls to extend their lead over Alpine in the Teams' Championship by 22 points. "It's been two weekends where Alpine has been quicker, but we've managed to out-score them," Lawson noted, attributing their success to strategic prowess.
The day was a clear win for Racing Bulls, as both drivers showcased strategic brilliance and adaptability in a race that was anything but straightforward. With such performances, the team will be looking to carry this momentum forward in the coming races.