Arvid Lindblad, an 18-year-old driver from Surrey, is set to make history as Britain’s fifth Formula 1 driver on the grid by 2026. The announcement of his role at Racing Bulls follows an impressive season in Formula Two, where he became the youngest ever race winner at just 17 years and 243 days, winning in Saudi Arabia.
Racing Bulls Spot Secured
With Isack Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, a position opened at Racing Bulls. Lindblad was chosen over Yuki Tsunoda, who remains with Red Bull as a test and reserve driver.
Arvid Lindblad’s Background
Lindblad was born in Virginia Water, Surrey, to a Swedish father and an Indian heritage mother. His racing journey began at just five years old, with karting at Daytona Sandown Park in Esher.
- 2019: British Cadet Champion
- 2020: Success in the WSK Super Master Series
- 2021: Victory in the WSK Euro Series
Having joined the Red Bull junior team at 13, he balanced racing with his studies at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford. He concluded his karting career with a podium finish at the CIK-FIA World Cup KZ2 in 2022.
Progressing Through the Ranks
In 2023, Lindblad transitioned to various Formula 4 single-seater championships. His achievements include:
- 5th in the UAE Championship
- 3rd in the Italian Championship
- 4th in the Euro 4 Championship
The young driver gained further recognition after winning the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2023.
Formula Three and Two Success
Lindblad made headlines in 2024 by becoming the youngest winner in Formula Three history at the age of 16. He won four races and finished fourth in the championship.
Currently competing in Formula Two for Campos Racing, Lindblad achieved his first victory in the sprint race at the challenging Jeddah street circuit. He also won the feature race in Barcelona this past June, earning a special FIA super licence at 17, similar to fellow young driver Kimi Antonelli.
Current Standing
Lindblad is positioned sixth in the Formula Two standings, with one round left to compete in Abu Dhabi. His first experience in F1 came with a test at Imola in February and participating in a practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix in October. He impressed with a sixth-fastest lap during that session.
Future Prospects
As he prepares for his entry into F1, Lindblad expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by Red Bull. He looks forward to further developments and experiences in the sport.
With Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, George Russell, and Ollie Bearman already confirmed for the 2026 grid, Lindblad’s entry marks a significant milestone in British motorsport history.
