Seventeen-year-old Arvid Lindblad made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest race winner in Formula 2 history, securing victory in the Sprint Race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The British-Swedish driver, representing Campos Racing and the Red Bull Junior Team, achieved this milestone after a post-race penalty demoted on-track winner Richard Verschoor to fourth place.
Lindblad, who started sixth on the grid, showcased remarkable skill by advancing through the field and finishing second on the road. However, a five-second penalty assessed to Verschoor for forcing another driver off the track elevated Lindblad to first place, marking his inaugural F2 victory. This win also signifies Campos Racing’s first-ever one-two finish in the championship, with teammate Pepe Martí securing second place. Alexander Dunne of Rodin Motorsport completed the podium in third.
“Really happy with the result today, youngest ever F2 race winner,” Lindblad expressed post-race. “A huge thank you to the team, a really good race coming from P6 to P1. A shame to Richard for the penalty, but super happy to win and looking forward to tomorrow now.”
The race commenced with Verschoor maintaining his lead from pole position, while Martí swiftly moved into second place. Lindblad’s ascent began early, climbing from sixth to fourth by the end of the first lap. A Virtual Safety Car was deployed following an incident involving Cian Shields, but upon resumption, Lindblad continued his charge, overtaking competitors to position himself behind the leaders.
A pivotal moment occurred when Verschoor reclaimed the lead from Martí with an aggressive maneuver that later resulted in his penalty. Despite crossing the finish line first, the penalty relegated him to fourth, handing Lindblad the victory.
This triumph propels Lindblad into the spotlight as a formidable talent in the racing world. Having joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2021, Lindblad’s rapid progression through the racing ranks has been noteworthy. His victory in Jeddah not only underscores his potential but also positions him as a driver to watch in the ongoing championship.
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In the Drivers’ Championship standings, Martí and Dunne are now tied at the top with 31 points each, while Lindblad’s win boosts his position in the rankings. Campos Racing leads the Teams’ Championship with 49 points, reflecting their strong performance this season.
The Formula 2 series continues with the Feature Race in Jeddah on Sunday, where drivers will compete for further points and positions in the championship.
For American audiences, Lindblad’s ascent offers a compelling narrative of youthful talent making waves on the international stage. His affiliation with the Red Bull Junior Team and his record-breaking achievements resonate with fans following the journey of emerging stars in motorsport.
As the season progresses, Lindblad’s performance will be closely watched by teams, sponsors, and fans alike, eager to see how this young prodigy continues to shape the future of racing.
