Arvid Lindblad: Britain's youngest ever F1 driver on his Indian and Swedish heritage and reaching F1 aged 18
BBC World
February 25, 2026
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Arvid Lindblad, at just 18 years old, is set to become Britain’s youngest ever Formula 1 driver, making history as he debuts in the Australian Grand Prix. Born to a Swedish father and an Indian mother, Lindblad’s unique heritage has played a significant role in shaping his identity and career trajectory. His journey to F1 began at just five years old, driven by a deep passion for motorsports, and his hard work paid off when Red Bull promoted him to their second team during the 2022 Qatar Grand Prix. Lindblad’s promotion marked a special moment shared with his father, who has been a constant source of support throughout his racing career.
Lindblad’s background is a blend of Swedish and Indian influences, with his grandparents’ experiences during the partition of India in 1947 deeply ingrained in his family history. His mother’s side traces back to Punjab, while his father’s family hails from Sweden. This rare combination has made Lindblad proud of his dual heritage, which he believes has contributed to who he is today. While he has been exposed to both Swedish and Indian cultures through his upbringing, including traditions, food, and language, his language skills remain limited. He speaks a little Swedish and some Hindi but acknowledges room for improvement in becoming multilingual.
Lindblad’s interest in motorsports stems from his father’s family, where his grandfather was a avid fan of the sport. This passion was passed down to Lindblad, who began karting at a young age and quickly showed promise. His rise to F1 is not just a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for diversity in motorsports. As one of five British drivers on the grid, Lindblad
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026