Here's the thing: Arvid Lindblad is facing a tough uphill battle for Formula 1's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, as Motorsport.com reports that the Racing Bulls driver will take a back-of-grid start due to a series of power unit penalties.
The Briton is dipping beyond his allocation of power unit components for the return to Malaysia, stepping up to a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and exhaust for the weekend. Lindblad had already reached the penalty-free maximum limit of four for those components during the previous round in Azerbaijan.
I've apologised already and yeah, it's done now. I know what I'll do differently in future. We've discussed it, so just looking forward to Malaysia now,
Taking a penalty now suggests his previous powertrain components are no longer usable, and the Red Bull-owned team clearly figures that Sepang presents the best opportunity to absorb the penalties and fight back. During the Baku weekend, he also used a new set of power unit ancillary components—including parts of the fuel system, wastegate, oil tank, and cooling system—though that move stayed within the permitted limit of six sets.
That Baku weekend was eventful for the teenager beyond just the machinery. Lindblad finished seventh after escaping a penalty for contact with his team-mate Liam Lawson on a restart. Trying to avoid Esteban Ocon, Lindblad drifted right at Turn 1 and locked a wheel, touching Lawson and tipping the Kiwi into a spin.
Despite the drama, the young driver fought back through the field. He made moves on both Haas drivers, including a dramatic overlap on Ocon right at the finish line, to secure seventh place by a margin of just 0.03s.
Reflecting on the internal dynamics, Lindblad stated: "We discussed it internally, what happened, and I know what I'd do differently in future."
"I've apologised already and yeah, it's done now. I know what I'll do differently in future. We've discussed it, so just looking forward to Malaysia now," he added.
