Red Bull F1 hopeful learns stewards' verdict after incident with home hero

Arvid Lindblad has been issued a warning for impeding McLaren's Pato O'Ward during FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The incident between the Red Bull junior and the Mexican driver occurred at Turn 11 of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

O'Ward races for the papaya squad in IndyCar, and was deputising for Lando Norris in the opening hour of running. Lindblad, meanwhile, was in the cockpit of Max Verstappen's RB21.

The stewards summoned Lindblad shortly after the session came to a close to get the Briton's perspective on the incident following his impressive lap that placed him sixth on the timesheet.

It was determined that while a dangerous situation was created, the stewards acknowledged that GPS disruptions across the field played a key role.

“During Free Practice 1, Car 89 (OWA) was on a fast lap and approached the slower Car 36 (LIN) from behind,” read a statement from the stewards.

“LIN was initially warned by his team that OWA was closing the gap (Radio: … So, OWA at 3.5 … 2 …”), but was immediately thereafter informed that LIN was backing off. 

“This latter message appears to have been based on a misinterpretation of GPS data which we were told had an intermittent feed during the session. As a result, in Turn 9, OWA caught up directly with LIN, whose car was positioned slightly to the right of the racing line but would have had better options to safely allow OWA to pass. 

“To avoid contact, OWA took the run-off area but was able to continue without damage. During the hearing, both drivers agreed that LIN’s team did not make full use of the available information to give precise instructions, and that LIN could have chosen a different line to facilitate an easier and safer pass for the faster car. 

“OWA stated that he did not feel endangered at any time and remained in full control of his car. 

“Notwithstanding, the actions of LIN constituted an unnecessary impeding and were, objectively, potentially dangerous. As the incident occurred during free practice and had no sporting consequences, the stewards decided to issue a warning to the driver and the team.”