Arvid Lindblad: The youngest British Formula 1 driver ever thanks to his Indian and Swedish heritage and arrives in Formula 1 at the age of 18

We’re talking at the luxury hotel that Racing Bulls has chosen as its home for pre-season testing in Bahrain, which followed the “shakedown” in Spain. It’s not long after 8am, and his next appointment is an engineering meeting, before heading out on the track later in the day.

Asked if he felt ready for the big time in Formula 1, he said: “Yes, I think so. It’s obviously a big step up from Formula 2, especially this year. There are changes in the regulations and everything is completely different.

“But I’ve been working hard with the team on the factory simulator, and obviously I’m also trying to take advantage of these three tests that we have.

“That’s a big benefit for me this year. Normally, there’s only one, whereas there’s three this year. That really helps me get up to speed. I’m really trying to take advantage of these tests, and I’m looking forward to getting on track in Melbourne.”

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Biermann, who has worked with several top drivers, including Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, has received praise so far.

“He did a great job,” Berman says. “People often ask me: What are you looking for? What do you need in a young driver?” Of course, the first thing you need is to be fast. We are very comfortable with that, and we know he has speed.

“But on top of that, he brings a lot of curiosity, he asks a lot of questions, his questioning is great, and he does everything we ask of him at the moment.”

Formula 1 is a brutal business, with little emotion. Drivers either investigate or exit. And nowhere is it crueler than Red Bull.

You might expect Lindblad to feel some pressure mixed with obvious excitement. But he says no.

“I wouldn’t really say pressure,” he says. “To be honest, this is what I’ve worked for my whole life.

“So I’m excited to be here, and all I’m really thinking about at the moment is trying to work with the team, trying to understand the cars to get the best possible performance, and trying to get the most out of the package from the start.”