Not 100 per cent ready for F1, but I have figured out being thrown into the deep end before: Arvid Lindblad

The path through modern motorsport is rarely a straight sprint. More often, it is a grind where careers can stall as easily as they advance. That reality makes Arvid Lindblad’s rise stand out. From the demands of karting to the unforgiving tiers of junior formula racing, his progression has gathered rare momentum, carrying him into the sport’s top echelon, Formula One.

A standout Red Bull junior programme talent gearing up to drive for Racing Bulls in 2026, Lindblad has climbed the ladder with intent. Born in a Swedish-Indian household based in the UK, his multi-cultural upbringing and heritage have shaped his identity and career immensely.

In an exclusive chat with Sportstar, the 18-year-old reflects on his journey, discussing the transitions between categories, the support systems, and preparing for the next challenge.

Q. It has been quite an accelerated rise from karting to F1, the pinnacle of motorsport. How has it been to cope with that sudden momentum? 

A. I honestly don’t know. I think I just take it in my stride. There are challenges that have come with it. As you said, I have come very quickly, which means I have been quite inexperienced relative to the people I have been racing against in the last couple of years and will be even more so next year in F1. But there is nothing I can really do to change that. It is what it is. So, I am just focused on working hard with the team, on the simulator, in the factory, with the engineers, trying to do everything I can to get prepared for next year.

You met your infamous target, captured in a video where you told Lando Norris you would see him in five years. You suceeded, but how prepared do you think you are?

It is not an easy question to answer. It is funny you pick up on the Lando story and how it has all come back around. I always had this belief when I started this journey that I could be in Formula 1. I had the same belief and determination when I was five, and I still do today.

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If I am being honest, I do not really know if I am fully prepared. Maybe I am not 100 per cent ready. But I am very used to being thrown in the deep end. Every year, I have had to be pushed into a new category. I am used to being in this position and having to figure it out.

This is something you have worked towards since you were five, a dream long in the making. What brought that spark for racing and made you realise that this was what you wanted to pursue?

It all started through my paternal side of the family. My paternal grandfather is an avid motorsports fan. He will watch anything with wheels and an engine. He absolutely loves it. When my dad was in his teenage years, they started motocross together. Unfortunately, they did not really have the money. My dad had to stop very early. He only did it for a little bit of time.

That passion was passed through to my dad. When I was three, my dad bought me a motocross bike. I did not really have an instant love for it. It was a bit too much for my mum as well. That died out quite quickly. When I was five, I went karting for the first time. I loved it from the beginning. I do not really know why, but I just loved it.

I get a lot of questions about when the dream felt real. It is always hard to answer. For sure, when I was in F3 or F4, it started to feel more real. But to me, when I started this journey, it was a hobby, but at the same time, not really. I was always determined and fixed on making it to F1. That childhood dream is becoming reality.

The Red Bull Junior Programme has played a huge role in your journey, particularly Dr Helmut Marko. How crucial have these relationships been in shaping your career?

I joined the programme at the end of 2020, so this was my fifth year in the programme. They have really helped me develop into the driver I am today. I have risen through the ranks very quickly as a Red Bull Junior. I did my first two years in karting, so when I came through the single-seater ladder, it was really with the programme.

I would not have been able to make the steps I have without the guidance, knowledge and expertise of especially Dr Helmut Marko and Rocky (Guillaume Rocquelin). I have a very good relationship with Dr Marko. We have always got along very well.

It is funny because I hear there are stories about how he has not been easy with some drivers. But for me, he has always been really good. We have always been very open with one another. I don’t think either of us really likes excuses; we just say the truth and how it is. I have learnt a lot from him.

Coming to the breakthrough year 2025, you drove your first FP1 session for Red Bull at Silverstone. How was that experience, and what were your learnings?

My first FP1 session was in Silverstone at home, which obviously was a very special moment, having my family there. It wasn’t very easy, also because it was an F2 weekend. So, I was jumping between the categories. I remember it was quite stressful running between the F2 and F1 paddocks.

I don’t think people appreciate the step just because F2 is the penultimate run on the ladder. But it’s massively different. It’s impressive how fast the F1 cars are. Everything is on a whole other level. It feels like everything is happening at twice the speed. So, it was an amazing experience to drive. I absolutely loved it in the car.

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It was also a very special moment to share the garage alongside Max (Verstappen).

You signed off from F2 with a win in Abu Dhabi, but it was a campaign that had highs, lows and everything. How do you reflect on this season?

To be honest, I’m not very happy with the F2 season. There were some good moments, but there were a few too many difficult days. There was a lot that I learnt throughout the year, especially about myself.

I think on the on-track side, F2 is so unique and so different to F1. It’s hard to really pick out things that I learnt in F2 that are really easy to translate to F1. I think it wasn’t an easy year. As you said, this year I had a little bit of everything. It wasn’t always the most enjoyable at the time, but I also think that’s good because you learn more through difficult moments than the good ones.

It’s going to be a longer season, longer durations, and a lot more physically and mentally taxing. What are your preparations going into the next F1 season?

It’s going to be very different to what I’m used to on all sides. The year’s longer; it’s a lot more taxing. I think the life of an F1 driver is generally a lot busier. There are a lot of things that I’m going to have to get up to speed with, even the basic stuff. The team have been really welcoming and really friendly so far, and they’re used to working with young drivers.

Then, on top of that, the sport is going to change a lot next year. There are new regulations on the chassis and power unit side. It’s going to be like starting from the beginning for everyone, which is not easy at the same time, but it’s an opportunity. I am going to be starting from zero, but I am looking forward to working closely with them to have a good relationship and get the best out of each other.

You will be entering the grid as a rookie, the only one in the 2026 season. Is there any driver whom you would go to for advice?

I think it’s not easy in the sense of sport because we’re all going to be competing against one another. It’s a bit of an awkward relationship, asking for advice because you also want to beat everyone. But I’d say the one person that’s always been really helpful on that side, and I don’t think will change, has been Max.

I’ve known him now for a few years. Whenever I’ve had a question or wanted some help with something, he’s always been really willing to help out, and it was the same this year. I think there’ll be a lot of people to help me work through the year.

It’s going to be a busier season, busier schedule, but will you be finding some time to visit India?

I’m not sure during the season itself, but I’ll be coming in March for the Red Bull Moto Jam. I’m really looking forward to that. It’s going to be super exciting for me to be driving an F1 car on the streets of Delhi, and to be having my first show run as a Formula 1 driver here in India.

Published on Dec 20, 2025