Lindblad Turns Last-on-Grid Start Into Points at Sepang: "More Than We Could Have Ever Imagined"

Arvid Lindblad produced the standout drive of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday, climbing from dead last on the grid to tenth place in a 55-lap race that had everything. The Racing Bulls rookie started P22 after taking grid penalties for new engine components, then gambled on intermediate tyres on the still-wet track — a call that carried him up the order as rivals struggled on slicks.

Lindblad's day was helped by late chaos ahead of him, including George Russell's retirement and an off-track excursion for Lando Norris behind the safety car, but the 19-year-old still had to be there to take advantage. The result marked his fourth points finish in a row in his debut Formula 1 season.

The rookie admitted the outcome exceeded every expectation. He described it as probably the busiest day of his F1 career, adding that scoring points from the very back of the grid was more than the team could ever have imagined. He gave full credit to his crew and the wider Red Bull family for a flawless operation, while also noting he was not fully satisfied with his own drive — pointing to a weaker middle stint and a continuing pattern of struggling more in long runs than in qualifying.

Still, on a weekend when Red Bull Racing celebrated a historic first victory for its in-house engine, Lindblad's recovery drive was the quiet story of the paddock — and more evidence the teenager belongs at this level.