F1: Arvid Lindblad on his debut season and learning to skateboard

At just 18 years old, Arvid Lindblad, Britain’s youngest Formula 1 driver, was set to race at over 200mph on the streets of Jeddah during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend. However, after only three races into his rookie season, Lindblad has found himself with an unexpected break from racing. During this downtime, he has taken the opportunity to reflect on his initial experiences in F1, spend quality time with friends, and even pick up skateboarding.

Lindblad, who made a striking debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne last month by finishing eighth and earning points for Racing Bulls, admits he is still coming to terms with his identity as a Formula 1 driver. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in,” he shared, emphasizing how achieving his lifelong goal has been both “extremely special” and “extremely cool.” Despite having enjoyed some time off, his passion for racing remains strong, and he eagerly anticipates returning to the grid at the upcoming US Grand Prix in Miami. “Racing is my passion. It’s probably what makes me happiest,” he explained.

Raised in Virginia Water, Surrey, Lindblad embodies a blend of cultures that is reflected on his racing helmet, which proudly displays three flags: England, Sweden, and India. His multicultural background stems from his Swedish father and Indian heritage through his mother. “I’ve really been surrounded by all three cultures. It’s shaped me into the person and driver I am today,” he said. Looking ahead, Lindblad is especially excited about his first home Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. With his whole family expected to attend, he described racing on home soil as an unparalleled experience: “My whole family will be there. I think racing at home, there’s no real feeling like it.”

Although India holds special significance for Lindblad, competing there this season remains out of reach. The Indian Grand Prix, last held at the Buddh International Circuit in Uttar Pradesh in 2013, is no longer part of the F1 calendar. After visiting Delhi with Racing Bulls during pre-season, Lindblad expressed how meaningful it would be to race in India someday. “I race under the British flag so having one home race is pretty cool, if there were to be a second one that’d be really special as well,” he remarked. An Indian government minister recently suggested a return of the Indian Grand Prix next year, but for now, Lindblad focuses on the road ahead.

As a newcomer to the sport, Lindblad has yet to make an appearance in the Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive, which many F1 drivers see as a rite of passage. Having followed the show since childhood, he looks forward to his moment in front of the cameras. Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the garage is positive as he bonds with teammate Liam Lawson and four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Lindblad appreciates Verstappen’s guidance, noting shared experiences of entering F1 at a young age and rising swiftly through the ranks. Outside the track, he has also taken up skateboarding, growing comfortable on ramps and setting a personal goal to learn a kickflip by the end of the year—though it’s clear the fast-paced world of Formula 1 remains his true focus

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