Arvid Lindblad explains what Max Verstappen does behind the scenes that shocked him

F1 rookie Arvid Lindblad has revealed to SPORTbible what Max Verstappen is really like behind the scenes.

Lindblad had an F1 debut to remember at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix, becoming the third youngest driver in history to score points behind Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.

The 18-year-old finished the race in eighth position after qualifying in ninth, but his excellent launch saw him overtake Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar to run third momentarily.

“I think I was P3 or something on Lap 1 which is pretty nuts,” Lindblad said after the race.

The rookie also insisted that despite his age he won't back down regardless of who you are.

“I know I’m sort of the ‘young kid’ and I’m the rookie, but when I’m in the car, I’m a fierce competitor," he added.

Arvid Lindblad ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix (credit: getty)

Lindblad's mentality is slightly reminiscent to when Verstappen burst onto the scene, and that should be no surprise given the pair's relationship.

"I was signed to the Red Bull programme when I was 13, so I've known him now for a few years," Lindblad told SPORTbible in an exclusive interview.

Speaking again to SPORTbible in 'Guess the Driver', he revealed how impressed he was with Verstappen's humility behind the scenes given his success.

"It's the big dog," he joked after being shown an image of Verstappen in his karting days.

"He's been really nice, Max is really friendly, I think it's, for starters it's quite cool to see someone who's done so well and achieved so much in the sport is willing to give advice and easy to talk to.

"Because I think it's quite easy when you let it all sort of go to your head, but I think it's really cool that he's sort of super friendly on that side."

Lindblad added that the Dutchman has always been available and open to giving out advice, which he also demonstrated with his close bond to the 2025 rookies.

"Yeah, whenever I have a question or I want any advice or anything, (1:44) he's always been really sort of willing and wanting to help out."

The Brit will be hoping to build on his first outing as F1 heads to China this weekend, where an extra eight points will be up for grabs in the first sprint of 2026.