Arvid Lindblad is gearing up for his Formula 1 debut in 2026. The Racing Bulls driver, who completed his first season in Formula 2 last year and finished sixth in the championship, acknowledges that many of the lessons he learned this year may not be directly applicable in Formula 1.
“F2 is so unique,” Lindblad tells Autocar. “It’s the second-highest rung on the ladder to Formula 1, but it’s so different. I’m not sure if all the things I had to learn in F2 this year can be translated to Formula 1.”
The 20-year-old Red Bull junior has made a rapid ascent through the feeder classes. After one season in Formula 3 and a victory in the Formula Regional Oceania series, he made the step to F2. Lindblad emphasizes that his development is not just about his driving skills, but also about personal growth and teamwork. “I’ve learned a lot about myself, both on and off the track. Working with the team and such. And that becomes even more important in F1.”
‘Will be a big challenge’
Lindblad will be the only rookie on the grid in the first season of the revamped Formula 1 regulations. According to him, the timing of this technical change could actually help him to be competitive.
Lindblad: “It’s going to be a big challenge for everyone and I still have a lot to learn. It’s going to be a very different Formula 1 next year, so I’m just focusing on working hard with the team during the winter, making optimal use of the tests, and then we’ll see.”
Meeting with Norris
Lindblad’s F1 debut coincides precisely with a promise he made to future world champion Lando Norris five years ago.
“I remember Lando came to the karting track in 2021, he was launching his own chassis and attended one of the races. I saw him in the paddock and told my friend: I want to approach Lando. He said: ‘No, you’re not brave enough, you don’t have the guts for it’. I just wanted to prove him wrong. So, I went up to Lando and the first thing I said was: ‘Remember me, I’ll see you in five years.’ I drew some inspiration from the story of Lewis Hamilton and Ron Dennis, where Hamilton said he would one day drive for his team. I knew the earliest it could happen would be in 2026, so I’m very pleased it has come to pass.”
