Meet the Formula 1 sensation with Indian roots set to race for Red Bull in 2026

Red Bull’s junior promotions rarely go unnoticed, but when an 18-year-old is fast-tracked into a Formula 1 race seat, the move signals extraordinary belief.

That is exactly the case with Arvid Lindblad, the British-Swedish driver with Indian roots who is set to race for Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, in 2026.

Lindblad’s elevation places him among the youngest drivers ever to reach Formula 1, and it marks the latest milestone in a career that has progressed at remarkable speed.

Early Life and embracing Indian heritage

Arvid Gustav Lindblad was born on August 8, 2007, in Virginia Water, Surrey. He is the son of a Swedish father and an Indian-British mother, a background that has made him a figure of special interest among Indian motorsport followers tracking representation at the highest level of racing. 

Through his mother’s side, his maternal grandparents hail from Punjab, India, and he has often spoken about being raised with deep exposure to Indian culture.

Despite living in Europe, Lindblad spends considerable time with his grandparents, who continue to follow a traditional Indian lifestyle.

That cultural influence extends to everyday life. Arvid Lindblad has openly shared his love for Indian food, especially rajma, chapati, and daal, meals his grandparents would sometimes bring to his racing practices.

He has described this connection as a source of pride, crediting his upbringing for shaping his values and grounding him amid the pressures of elite motorsport.

His journey into motorsport began early. By the age of five, Lindblad was already competing in karting events at Daytona Sandown Park in Esher, quickly establishing himself as a standout talent in the UK karting scene.

Karting success and Red Bull backing

Lindblad’s junior resume is stacked with achievements. He won the British Cadet Championship in 2019 and followed it up with victories in the WSK Super Master Series (2020) and WSK Euro Series (2021).

That same year, at just 13, he was signed to the Red Bull Junior Team, a clear indication of the program’s long-term faith in his potential.

Rapid rise through the single-seater ranks

His transition from karting to cars was equally impressive. Arvid Lindblad competed across multiple Formula 4 championships, challenging for titles in Italy, the UAE, and Euro 4. He capped off that phase with a high-profile victory at the Macau F4 race, further cementing his reputation.

In 2024, Lindblad stepped up to FIA Formula 3 with PREMA Racing and delivered a historic campaign. He became the youngest race winner in F3 history and produced a never-before-seen clean sweep at Silverstone, winning every session of the weekend. He finished the season fourth overall, emerging as one of the championship’s most talked-about drivers.

Formula 2, super licence, and F1 readiness

Arvid Lindblad moved into Formula 2 in 2025, the final proving ground before Formula 1. While the season brought mixed results, he showed flashes of elite potential with standout performances in Jeddah and Barcelona.

His progress was enough to earn an FIA super licence at just 17, along with an F1 test outing that included an impressive sixth-place showing in Mexico practice.

With one F2 round remaining, Lindblad sits sixth in the standings, already confirmed as Red Bull’s next full-time Formula 1 prospect.

Red Bull’s long-term vision

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane summed up the significance of the move, saying: