Formula E: How does a Formula E world champion act as a mentor for Arvid Lindblad?

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has praised the maturity, ambition and self awareness shown by rookie Arvid Lindblad during his first months in Formula One — and revealed the important role played by Formula E world champion Oliver Rowland in guiding the 18 year old through the transition to the top tier of motorsport.

Over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Lindblad said he was satisfied with how his debut season was unfolding. Racing Bulls' team boss Alan Permane echoed that assessment, offering a look at what has impressed him most about the British-Swedish rookie: "It’s been good. He started off at a high level, of course.”

Permane highlighted Lindblad’s off track preparation and the support structure he has built around himself — particularly the presence of Oliver Rowland, who raced in Monaco two weeks earlier before flying to Montreal to support Lindblad track side.

“I think he’s been very smart in the people he has around him off track. He has Ollie Rowland looking after him, or being a mentor, or a sounding board, or whatever you want to call it. Ollie [was in Montreal, so he’s a really good asset to have.”

According to Permane, Lindblad’s personality and work ethic are equally impressive. The teenager is demanding, ambitious and eager to improve.

“He’s quite demanding, Arvid, which I think is good as well. He wants everything immediately. If anything, to sort of calm him down and keep him there. You can see he’s aiming high, aiming for the top.”

One trait in particular stands out to Permane: Lindblad’s willingness to scrutinise his own performance before looking elsewhere for answers.

“He’s self-critical, which is, again, I find a good and refreshing thing in drivers. The first place he looks is himself to find performance. So, no issues with Arvid, he’s doing a very good job.”