Arvid Lindblad might soon be a household name in motorsport. The Red Bull junior driver, currently competing in Formula 2, has already impressed fans and insiders alike. At just 14 years old, Lindblad once approached Lando Norris with a bold statement: “Remember me. I’ll see you in five years.” That moment may prove prophetic.
Now 17, Lindblad is well on his way. After making a name for himself in karting, he’s climbed through the junior ranks and now races for Campos in Formula 2. His early performances—including a 10th-place finish from 14th on the grid in a rain-affected debut in Australia—have shown promise.
Inspired by Lewis Hamilton, Lindblad began karting at the age of five and looked up to the British champion, especially given their shared heritage and birth year—both were born in 2007. “I always felt a connection,” he said, recalling Hamilton’s rookie season as the moment he truly connected with F1.
Born in Surrey to a Swedish father and Indian mother, Lindblad has always raced under the British flag. His talent was evident early, and by age seven, he had caught the attention of Formula E star Oliver Rowland. Rowland started a karting team just to support Lindblad’s development, calling him “special” and praising his focus and maturity at a very young age.
Lindblad quickly climbed the ranks, winning the British Championship and competing internationally before signing with Red Bull’s driver academy in 2020 at just 13 years old.
That opportunity came unexpectedly while he was testing in Portimao. A call from Graz, Austria—home of Red Bull—led to a meeting with Dr. Helmut Marko and a spot in the program.
His junior single-seater career has progressed quickly. He finished third in the 2023 Italian F4 season and later won the Macau F4 World Cup. His 2024 F3 campaign included a standout double victory at Silverstone, particularly notable for his wet-weather mastery. Though his title bid faltered in the final rounds, his raw pace earned him the jump to F2.
Lindblad is clear about his goals: “I want to be world champion. Every step I take is to improve myself and get better. It’s always been about how to win, how to grow.”
Red Bull sees Lindblad as a future star, and with ongoing uncertainties around its driver lineup—especially after the short-lived promotion of Liam Lawson and the pressure on Yuki Tsunoda—doors could open quickly.
Lindblad already holds a Super Licence after winning the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, though he must wait until his 18th birthday in August to participate in official F1 sessions unless the FIA grants an exemption.
Lindblad is taking nothing for granted. “I’m focused on F2. If I’m in Formula 1 by 2026, that’s the goal. But I know I still have a lot to prove.”
Mentor Oliver Rowland believes Lindblad has what it takes. “He’s got everything—talent, maturity, focus. I honestly think he’ll be a Formula 1 world champion one day.”
