At just 17, Arvid Lindblad has already shattered records by securing a coveted F1 Super Licence exemption with the Red Bull junior being touted as the next big thing in Formula 1.
In the high-octane world of motorsport, the search for the next superstar is relentless. Every few years, a prodigious talent emerges, capturing the attention of teams, fans, and pundits alike.
In 2025, that name is Lindblad—a British-Swedish sensation whose meteoric rise through the junior ranks has positioned him as Red Bull’s brightest hope for future F1 glory.
Arvid Lindblad: Roots of a Racing Prodigy
Arvid Anand Olof Lindblad was born on August 8, 2007 in Virginia Water, Surrey, England to a Swedish father Stefan Lindblad and an Indian mother Anita Lindblad (née Ahuja).
Growing up in a multicultural household, Arvid was exposed to a blend of British, Swedish, and Indian influences which shaped his worldview and approach to competition.
His father, a passionate motorsport enthusiast and former motocross competitor, played a pivotal role in nurturing Arvid’s interest in racing. The family’s love for motorsport spanned generations, with Arvid’s grandfather also sharing a deep passion for the sport.
Arvid’s introduction to motorsport came at the tender age of three when he was gifted a motocross bike by his father.
However, the thrill of two wheels did not captivate him for long. By age five his father introduced him to karting at Surrey’s Daytona Sandown Park circuit, a moment that would ignite a lifelong passion.
Arvid’s karting career began in earnest at age six and by age 11 he had already claimed the title of British Champion. His rapid progression through the ranks was marked by a series of impressive victories and podium finishes in both national and international competitions.
Notably, he won the prestigious WSK Super Master Series in the OKJ class in 2020, a feat that signaled his arrival on the European karting stage.
Lindblad’s performances in karting did not go unnoticed. He was mentored by former Renault and Williams development driver Oliver Rowland who recognized Arvid’s exceptional racecraft and mental fortitude.
Under Rowland’s guidance, Arvid continued to rack up accolades, including victories in the WSK Euro Series and the WSK Final Cup.
Arvid’s consistent success caught the attention of Red Bull, with Helmut Marko signing him into the Red Bull Junior Team in 2021.
Arvid Lindblad and his transition to Single-Seaters
Arvid’s transition from karting to single-seaters came in 2022 when he debuted with Van Amersfoort Racing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship.
Despite joining the series mid-season, he quickly adapted to the demands of car racing, scoring points in two of the three rounds he contested and finishing 17th out of 55 participants.
His performances in testing were equally impressive, consistently topping the timesheets and demonstrating his readiness for the next level.
In 2023, Lindblad joined the renowned Prema Racing team for a full campaign in Italian F4 and the Euro 4 Championship. He finished third in the Italian F4 standings and fourth in the Euro 4 Championship, cementing his reputation as one of the most promising talents in the junior formulae.
That same year, he claimed victory in the prestigious Macau F4 World Cup, further boosting his credentials on the international stage.
In 2024, Lindblad made the step up to FIA Formula 3 still with Prema Racing, being one of the youngest drivers on the grid.
He quickly established himself as a frontrunner, winning the season-opening sprint race in Bahrain and achieving a double victory at Silverstone.
Over the course of the season, he secured four wins—the most of any driver that year—and finished fourth in the championship, helping Prema clinch the Teams’ title.
During the winter of 2025, Arvid competed in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship with M2 Competition, where he claimed his first single-seater title.
This victory was crucial, as it provided him with the points required to qualify for an FIA Super Licence, a prerequisite for competing in Formula 1.
For the 2025 season, Lindblad joined Campos Racing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, partnering with Pepe Martí. His impact was immediate and profound as he became the youngest-ever winner of an F2 race, taking victory in the Jeddah Sprint at just 17 years and 243 days old.
He followed this up with a dominant feature race win in Barcelona, further solidifying his status as a generational talent.
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Arvid Lindblad granted F1 Super Licence
Recognizing his exceptional talent and readiness for the highest level, Red Bull submitted a request to the FIA for an early F1 Super Licence exemption, allowing Arvid to participate in F1 sessions before his 18th birthday.
The FIA granted this request, citing his “outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition”. The rare honor places Lindblad in the company of only a select few drivers who have received such an exemption, underscoring his unique potential.
Arvid Lindblad F1 test runs
As of 2025, Arvid Lindblad is listed as a test driver for Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri). He participated in his maiden F1 test at Imola in February 2025, driving the 2023 AlphaTauri AT04.
Additionally, he has taken part in Red Bull’s Showrun program, including high-profile events in Houston and a promotional race against Leeds United footballers at Elland Road.
