Former Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo recently joined Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen and newcomer Arvid Lindblad tackled a unique competition featuring 12 cars spanning over a century of motorsport. The event tested the drivers’ skills across acceleration, cornering, and a final head-to-head showdown, highlighting both experience and emerging talent in the racing world.
Acceleration Test Featuring Iconic Cars from Past and Present
The initial stage focused on acceleration over a 250-metre drag strip. Verstappen selected the 2017 World Rally Championship-winning Ford Fiesta, boasting 380 horsepower and a top speed of 124 mph. After warming up, he completed his run in 6.96 seconds. Lindblad responded with the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, which has 290 horsepower and peaks at 137 mph. Adjusting to the older car’s clutch proved difficult, and Lindblad posted a slower time of 14.78 seconds.
Both drivers were granted a second attempt using different vehicles. Verstappen chose the powerful 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Supertruck, delivering 2200 horsepower and reaching 190 mph, while Lindblad took the 1986 Ford RS200 with 450 horsepower and a 139 mph top speed. Verstappen shaved his time to 6.47 seconds, and Lindblad improved to 8.37 seconds.
“To be honest, the choice of cars that I chose compared to him, I think on this kind of challenge, I would be disappointed if I lost the challenge with the cars that I had,”
Max Verstappen said.
As an extra challenge, Lindblad drove the 1924 Ford Model T around a cornering circuit, aiming for a time under three minutes to earn points and level the competition with Verstappen. He succeeded with a lap time of 2 minutes 22.46 seconds, balancing the score going into the next challenge.
Cornering Skills Tested on a Dedicated Circuit
For the cornering round, Verstappen picked the newest model in the lineup, the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, finishing his lap in 37.81 seconds. Lindblad tackled the track in a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk2, completing his lap in 41.15 seconds. The gap reflected Verstappen’s seasoned experience but demonstrated Lindblad’s promising potential as a racing driver.
Final Head-to-Head Showdown on Track
In the decisive final duel, both drivers took to the track simultaneously for the fastest lap to claim overall victory. Verstappen, leading the day’s competition, was first to select a car but could not reuse any previously driven vehicles. He chose the 2026 Ford Australian Supercar, delivering 600 horsepower and a top speed of 186 mph. Lindblad selected the 2025 Ford Mustang GT3, equipped with 550 horsepower and a top speed of 144 mph.
Before the showdown began, Ricciardo offered insight and encouragement.
“As a race car driver, we’re not good at using clutches. At least a lot of us, coming from formula cars. So this is a relief for Arvid right now. He’s going to do great,”
Ricciardo remarked.
“My recollection of the V8 [in Verstappen’s Australian Supercar], I mean I drove an older generation, but that’ll be a little squirrely, I reckon. A little bit more Aussie power.”
He also added with a smile on what it takes to challenge Verstappen:
“I mean, you’re going up against Max, so you need an ego that’s really big. All the confidence that you need.”
Remarkable Victory for Rookie Arvid Lindblad
Lindblad stunned observers by setting the fastest lap on the first run with a 1 minute 9.05 seconds time, ahead of Verstappen’s 1 minute 11.23 seconds. After completing a second lap, the rookie held on to win with a time of 1 minute 3.10 seconds, while Verstappen’s best effort was 1 minute 6.29 seconds. Lindblad’s win marked an impressive breakthrough, signaling his rising status among top-level drivers.
Implications for Max Verstappen and Emerging Talents
This competition highlighted both the durability of motorsport legends and the influx of new talent like Arvid Lindblad. While Verstappen demonstrated his skill across multiple challenges, Lindblad’s victory in the final head-to-head encounter suggests a fresh challenger in the racing world. As Verstappen continues to innovate and defend his status in Formula 1, Lindblad’s performance in this diverse challenge points to his potential future impact on the sport.
