Lindblad seals historic triumph in Jeddah F2 Sprint race

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On Saturday at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad etched his name into motorsport history as the youngest winner in FIA Formula 2 history, aged just 17 years, 8 months, and 11 days.

Lindblad inherited the Sprint Race victory after pole-sitter Richard Verschoor received a five-second penalty for forcing another driver off the track, dropping the Dutchman to fourth.

The Campos Racing driver, starting sixth, showcased his pace and composure to secure his maiden F2 win, leading a 1-2 finish with teammate Pepe Marti.

Lindblad’s triumph underscores his meteoric rise through the junior ranks, from karting prodigy to F4 and F3 standout. As a Red Bull Junior Team member since 2021, his adaptability and maturity have drawn comparisons to Max Verstappen.

With Red Bull’s driver pipeline eyeing 2026, Lindblad’s standout F2 campaign positions the Anglo-Swedish driver as a prime candidate for an F1 seat, potentially with Racing Bulls.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.