Arvid Lindblad Relies on Oliver Rowland for F1 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Arvid Lindblad, rookie driver Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls, heads into the 2026 Formula 1 season under close scrutiny after outlining the crucial role played by Oliver Rowland in his preparation for a full-time debut at the highest level of single-seater racing.

Lindblad is the only rookie on the 2026 Formula 1 grid and will partner Liam Lawson, who has been retained by Red Bull’s sister team following a structured development pathway within the organisation. Lindblad’s rapid progression, having only entered single-seater competition in 2022, reflects Red Bull’s long-term talent strategy ahead of the next power unit regulatory cycle.

A key figure behind Lindblad’s rise has been Oliver Rowland, the reigning Formula E world champion who also serves as his manager. Rowland has regularly been present in junior paddocks, providing technical guidance and career support during Lindblad’s progression through Formula 3 and Formula 2, which Lindblad considers decisive in accelerating his development.

“Yeah, for sure. I mean, Ollie himself, not talking about the Formula E aspect, I’ve learned so much from him,” Lindblad told talkSPORT.
“It wasn’t that long ago that he was on the ladder on the way up to Formula 1.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Beyond career mentorship, Lindblad highlighted Rowland’s expertise in energy and battery management as a significant technical advantage. In modern Formula 1, efficient hybrid power unit deployment and energy recovery are increasingly influential factors in race performance, particularly for midfield teams such as Racing Bulls operating within narrow competitive margins.

“I’m massively grateful to him for his support, and it’s a big reason why I’ve been able to come through the ranks so quickly,” Lindblad continued.
“To have some of his expertise and advice and knowledge, especially in F2 and F3, was a massive thing in being able to make the steps.”

This technical dimension is expected to be especially relevant in the 2026 season, where refined power unit management and energy optimisation will play a central role in both qualifying execution and race strategy. Racing Bulls’ integration of a rookie with strong technical foundations aligns with Red Bull’s broader medium-term development framework.

“It’s not the same, but there is a battery-saving element,” Lindblad explained.
“In Formula 1 there’s a bigger battery element in managing the power unit. Having his knowledge of Formula E, where he’s done so well and mastered it, is definitely something I’ll be picking his brains on a lot.”

The opening phase of the 2026 campaign will represent a critical assessment period for Lindblad, both in terms of adaptation to Formula 1 machinery and his contribution to Racing Bulls’ constructors’ objectives. Consistency, technical execution, and strategic awareness will be decisive factors shaping his long-term trajectory within the Red Bull programme.