Arvid Lindblad, a rising star in Formula 1, is eyeing a future in rallying after his recent experience at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Lindblad, who made his F1 debut this year with Racing Bulls, got behind the wheel of an M-Sport-Ford Puma Rally1 car, a machine he describes as 'amazing'.
Lindblad's first taste of rallying was a revelation. He shared the car with M-Sport-Ford WRC star Jon Armstrong, and the 18-year-old was taken aback by the speed and precision required in this discipline. "It was amazing, so thanks to Jon and the guys here for the opportunity," Lindblad said. "We drive pretty quick [in Formula 1], and I was very much outside my comfort zone. It was just amazing to experience, so different from what we're used to."
The experience has left Lindblad with a newfound appreciation for rally drivers. "It is so quick and you are so close to the trees, it is fast, and it is really impressive what these drivers do," he added. This sentiment is echoed by Armstrong, who enjoyed sharing his Puma with Lindblad. "It is incredible [what job he is doing in F1]," Armstrong said. "F1 drivers have a tough time as they come in and have to prove their point straight away. It is not easy and you have to learn against a lot of experience."
Lindblad's interest in rallying is not just a passing fancy. He has been learning more about the sport and has become more fond of it recently. "It [rallying] is something I have been learning more about and I have actually become more fond of rally recently, and it is something I would like to potentially pursue one day once I’m done with my current endeavours," he said.
The Goodwood experience has given Lindblad a taste of what rallying could offer. He now has a better understanding of the challenges and thrills of the sport. "After having my first little taste of it now, I have a bit more of an appreciation for what these guys do because the cameras and the onboards don’t really show it," Lindblad explained. "It is amazing, it is so quick and you are so close to the trees, it is fast, and it is really impressive what these drivers do."
As Lindblad's career in F1 progresses, his interest in rallying is likely to grow. The sport offers a different kind of challenge and a unique set of skills. "I wouldn’t say I was scared but I was very much outside of my comfort zone and very taken aback," Lindblad said. "It was just amazing to experience, it is so different to what we are used to so just to get an appreciation for these guys. It is so different. It was so much fun."
The future of Lindblad's career remains uncertain, but his experience at Goodwood has opened his eyes to a new world of motorsport. As he continues to race in F1, the idea of a career in rallying may become more appealing. "It is incredible [what job he is doing in F1]," Armstrong said. "F1 drivers have a tough time as they come in and have to prove their point straight away. It is not easy and you have to learn against a lot of experience."
Lindblad's journey in motorsport is far from over, and his experience at Goodwood has given him a new perspective on the sport. As he looks to the future, the idea of a career in rallying may be one he considers more seriously.
