'Can be happy with our job' – Lindblad gives verdict on Racing Bulls' upgrade package in Belgian GP

Arvid Lindblad believes Racing Bulls maximised the performance of a new upgrade package during the Belgian Grand Prix, as the F1 rookie finished in the points again.

Lindblad finished ninth in Sunday's 44-lap race at Spa-Francorchamps having shown impressive pace throughout the weekend and starting from seventh on the grid.

His performance was boosted by a new upgrade package that was placed on Lindblad's car for Belgium, courtesy of beating team mate Liam Lawson in Silverstone Qualifying.

With Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar finishing ahead of the Racing Bulls driver having started from behind due to grid penalties, Lindblad lost a further position to Gabriel Bortoleto after Audi pitted the Brazilian under the Virtual Safety Car.

"Definitely it's been a very strong weekend for us. I think we've really maximised in each session," said Lindblad, who has now finished in the points in the last five races.

"For sure it's a little bit of a shame to lose to Audi because I think with a normal race we would have had the P8, but fair play to them, they rolled the dice and capitalised on the VSC.

"Me and Gabi [Bortoleto] had a really fun fight towards the end, pushing each other on flat-out. I think we can be happy with our job this weekend, we've maximised and looking forward to Budapest."

Lindblad expects the upgrade package "to be even more powerful" this weekend in Budapest, where Lawson will also be given the same specification.

The New Zealander finished P12 in Belgium having been beaten by both Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly – with Alpine and Racing Bulls now tied on points in the Teams' standings.

"We were too slow overall," said Lawson. "It's frustrating, but honestly after Qualifying, I knew we weren't as quick as we needed to be. Good start but just fighting a losing battle through the race."

On getting the upgrade this weekend, Lawson added: "I mean it's positive at least, one car is very, very quick. Hopefully that translates to us next week but we'll find out.

"It's obviously a very different track in Budapest but I'm definitely excited to get out of here and over to there."