Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad experienced a significant incident during the second free practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit. The crash occurred early in the session, approximately 20 minutes into the scheduled 60 minutes.
Lindblad’s car made heavy contact with the barriers at Turns 8 and 9, a notoriously narrow section of the circuit known as the ‘castle section’. This area is just 7.6 metres wide, making it one of the tightest points on the Formula 1 calendar.
The incident prompted race officials to deploy a red flag, halting the session for approximately 15 minutes. Marshals were required to clear debris and recover Lindblad’s significantly damaged car from the track.
Despite the severity of the impact, Lindblad was able to exit his car unaided. He was subsequently examined at the circuit’s medical centre and reported no injuries.
Racing Bulls confirmed that the car sustained extensive damage, particularly to the rear. The team has initiated a full investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash and assess any internal damage, such as to the gearbox.
Lindblad later attributed the loss of control to a combination of cold tyres and a gust of wind, stating he ‘clipped the wall by a millimetre’. He had finished an encouraging eighth in the earlier FP1 session.
The Baku City Circuit is recognised for its challenging layout, blending long straights with tight, technical sections and limited run-off areas. The circuit is frequently affected by strong and unpredictable winds.
Following the resumption of FP2, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing recorded the fastest time. Charles Leclerc for Ferrari and George Russell driving for Mercedes completed the top three positions in the session.
Lindblad’s teammate, Liam Lawson, is also competing for Racing Bulls this season. Lawson finished seventh in the first free practice session.
