Lindblad, who was sixth in the Formula 2 standings last year, is the only rookie on the grid this season, coming into the sport during the biggest regulation change in the sport’s history.
His confidence was on show at lights out when he passed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and reigning title holder Lando Norris to briefly reach third place from eighth.
“I am going to take every inch that I can get. I think I showed that on lap one,” Lindblad stated.
“I have a lot of respect for the senior guys in the sport who have done an amazing job but I am also not going to roll over and give them the place.
“I am here to fight and when I am in the car, I am a ruthless competitor.”