Last updated: 20/12/2025

A new star is rising on the Formula 1 horizon. Arvid Lindblad, an 18-year-old British-Swedish racer with Indian roots, has secured a full-time seat on the 2026 Formula 1 grid with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team. His rapid ascent through the motorsport ranks from karting to F2 and now Formula 1, has attracted global attention and made him one of the most talked-about young talents in racing.

This article explores who Arvid Lindblad is, where he’s from, how he earned his place in F1, and what to expect from his debut season.

Driver profile

• Full Name: Arvid Anand Olof Lindblad
• Date of Birth: 8 August 2007 (18 years old currently)
• Nationality: British-Swedish
• Heritage: Indian roots through his mother
• F1 Team (2026): Visa Cash App Racing Bulls
• Height: 173cm

Early Life and Background

Arvid Anand Olof Lindblad was born on 8 August 2007 in Virginia Water, Surrey, England. His heritage is both British and Swedish, with his father, Stefan Lindblad, being Swedish and his mother, Anita Lindblad (Ahuja), of Indian descent. He also has a younger brother.

Lindblad’s first involvement in motorsport came at a very young age. He began riding a motocross bike at just three years old and soon transitioned to karting. Growing up near London, he was introduced to high-level racing early and began competing in British and international karting events by the age of five.

Rising Through the Ranks: Karting to Junior Formula

From his early karting days, Lindblad quickly showed promise. He dominated British and European junior karting championships, including winning the WSK Super Master Series and the WSK Euro Series – events that have previously been won by future Formula 1 stars.

In 2021, at just 13 years old, Lindblad joined the Red Bull Junior Team, a major milestone that put him on the radar of one of F1’s most successful driver development programmes.

Breakthrough in Single-Seaters

Formula 4 and Formula 3

Lindblad began his single-seater career in 2022, entering Italian F4 and later competing across multiple F4 series. He impressed quickly, including a notable win at the Macau Grand Prix F4 race. a prestigious event that has launched the careers of many future stars.

In 2024, he stepped up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing. There, Lindblad became the youngest race winner in F3 history and recorded multiple victories, including a rare double win at a single weekend.

Formula 2 Stardom

Lindblad continued his rapid progression by moving to Formula 2 in 2025 with Campos Racing. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact, becoming the youngest race winner in Formula 2 history and one of the standout performers in the championship.

This success in F2 was a key factor in opening the door to Formula 1.

Formula 1 Journey Begins: Testing, Super Licence, and FP1

Well before his full-time promotion, Lindblad was given several opportunities to experience Formula 1 machinery:

• In September 2024, he drove a Red Bull RB8 in a showrun event in Houston.

• In February 2025, he completed a private test in the AlphaTauri AT04 at Imola, followed by another mid-season Imola test alongside Ayumu Iwasa in June.

• He was granted a special FIA Super Licence exemption that allowed him to participate in official Formula 1 sessions before turning 18.

Lindblad made his Formula 1 free practice debut at the 2025 British Grand Prix, replacing Yuki Tsunoda and setting the 14th-fastest time. Later in the season, he also took part in FP1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing sixth in the session – an impressive showing.

Full-Time F1 Drive: Racing Bulls in 2026

In December 2025, Racing Bulls confirmed that Lindblad would join the team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, partnering Liam Lawson. This makes him one of the youngest drivers on the grid and the only rookie in next year’s championship.

Red Bull’s decision followed lineup changes that saw Isack Hadjar promoted to Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen, while Yuki Tsunoda lost his seat but remained within the Red Bull family as a reserve driver.

Why Lindblad’s Rise Is Exceptional

Arvid Lindblad’s path to Formula 1 stands out for several reasons:

• Speed of progression: He advanced from karting to F1 in just a few years, a pace few drivers match.

• Record-setting achievements: He holds the youngest winner records in both Formula 3 and Formula 2.

• Early exposure to F1 machinery: Multiple tests and official FP1 sessions before his debut demonstrate Red Bull’s confidence in his development.

Diverse heritage: Born in the UK with Swedish roots and Indian ancestry, Lindblad brings a broad international appeal as he enters the sport’s top tier.

What to Expect in 2026

As he prepares for his 2026 debut in Australia, Lindblad will aim to learn quickly, adapt to the demands of full race weekends, and contribute points for Racing Bulls alongside Lawson. His combination of speed, maturity, and test experience positions him as one of the most exciting rookies in recent memory.

Conclusion

Arvid Lindblad’s journey from a karting prodigy to a Formula 1 driver at just 18 is one of the most remarkable stories in modern motorsport. Through rapid advancement, record-breaking results, and strong support from the Red Bull Junior Team, he has earned his place on the 2026 grid with Racing Bulls.

As the newest driver set to take the start in Formula 1’s next chapter, Lindblad is poised to make a lasting impression – and his story is just beginning.

FAQ

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

• Arvid Lindblad is a British-Swedish racing driver and Red Bull Junior who will make his Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls in the 2026 season.

Where is Arvid Lindblad from?

• Arvid Lindblad was born in Virginia Water, England, and has British and Swedish nationality, with Indian heritage through his mother.

How did Arvid Lindblad reach Formula 1?

• Lindblad progressed rapidly from karting to Formula 4, Formula 3, and Formula 2, winning races at every level before earning a full-time Formula 1 seat through the Red Bull Junior Team.

How old is Arvid Lindblad in his F1 debut season?

• Arvid Lindblad will be 18 years old at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, making him one of the youngest drivers on the grid.

Which team will Arvid Lindblad drive for in Formula 1?

• Arvid Lindblad will drive for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.