Ralf Schumacher says Arvid Lindblad ‘completely outclassed’ Liam Lawson at the Australian Grand Prix

Follow us on Google Discover

Ralf Schumacher believes Arvid Lindblad was able to ‘outclass’ Liam Lawson in the 2026 season opener.

The Australian Grand Prix was a big weekend for the sole rookie on the grid, Arvid Lindblad, as his Formula 1 journey began at Albert Park.

Lindblad was outqualified by his teammate Liam Lawson on Saturday, as the Racing Bulls drivers qualified in eighth and ninth place on the grid for the opening race of the season.

However, on Sunday, it was a different story as Lindblad ended his first race in Formula 1 in eighth place, with Lawson outside of the points in 13th.

Describe Arvid Lindblad’s F1 debut in one word… GO! 👇

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Ralf Schumacher praises Arvid Lindblad after Formula 1 debut

When discussing Lindblad after the opening round of the 2026 Formula season on Backstage Boxengasse, Ralf Schumacher sung his praises.

However, on the other side of the Racing Bulls garage, Schumacher was quick to point out how the rookie driver ‘outclassed’ Lawson at the Australian Grand Prix.

The German driver was hugely impressed with Lindblad as he claims he ‘has a great future ahead of him’.

When talking about Lindblad, Schumacher said, “Strong guy, strong presence. There’s no arguing with that. Lawson was more or less completely outclassed all weekend. He was good in qualifying, then not so much, but otherwise, you have to say, fantastic, no mistakes.

“He couldn’t drive for half an hour on Friday, but when he came out, he was immediately fast and on point. So you have to say, he probably has a great future ahead of him.”

2026 is the perfect year to be a rookie in Formula 1

As the sole rookie on the 2026 Formula 1 grid, Lindblad will have a lot of eyes on him as he is lined up alongside Lawson, who is in his first full year with Racing Bulls.

Ahead of Lindblad’s official debut at the Australian Grand Prix, the Racing Bulls team principal, Alan Permane told Lindblad that 2026 is the ‘perfect year’ to be a rookie with the new regulations.

Lindblad may have ‘outclassed’ Lawson during the opening race of the season as he battled with fellow British rider Oliver Bearman during the Australian Grand Prix.

Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer was quick to praise Lindblad after the Australian Grand Prix, as he described his battle with Bearman as ‘old school’ racing.