'More than we could have ever imagined' – Lindblad reflects on P10 finish from back of the grid in Malaysia

Arvid Lindblad believes his P10 finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was "more than we could have ever imagined" after starting from the back of the grid.

The Racing Bulls driver started Sunday's 55-lap race at the Sepang International Circuit in P22 and last on the grid after taking grid penalties for new engine components.

Lindblad was able to move up the field early in proceedings after starting on the intermediate tyre, as other drivers dropped away with slick tyres on the still-wet track.

A late retirement for Mercedes' George Russell and an off-track excursion for Lando Norris' McLaren behind the Safety Car ensured the 19-year-old scored his fourth points finish in succession.

"It's probably the busiest day of my F1 career and the outcome is pretty amazing. To be in the points from starting last is more than we could have ever imagined," said Lindblad, who is still in his rookie F1 season.

"I think from that side it's really good, amazing day for the team, amazing day for the whole Red Bull family, credit to Max [Verstappen] and RBPT. It's the first win for this engine, it's been absolutely amazing all year so I'm super happy for them.

"On my side, I'm not that happy with my own performance. Obviously there was some good stuff but there was a good part in the middle where I was just too slow, so I need to understand why and why I've been a little bit weaker I'd say in long runs than short runs this year.

"I've always felt good in Qualifying but the race is normally a bit more difficult, so I need to understand why that is, but super happy for the team. They've all done an absolutely perfect job, it's honestly thanks to them that we've got this performance today."

Racing Bulls enjoyed a strong day in Malaysia, as Liam Lawson finished seventh, having even battled eventual race winner Max Verstappen for third on the opening lap after an incredible launch off the grid from P11.

The result means Racing Bulls has moved 22 points clear of Alpine in their battle for P5 in the Teams' Championship, as neither Pierre Gasly or Franco Colapinto scored points in Malaysia.

"It's sort of two weekends where Alpine has been a bit quicker than us but we've managed to out-score them," said Lawson.

"I think that's really been on good decision making today on the strategy for the start. I had one of the best starts I've ever had in my career and that put us in a great position for the rest of the race."