Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Exclusive: Arvid Lindblad – I want to be a Formula One world champion

Arvid Lindblad’s recent success at Silverstone was a historic milestone as he became the first driver to win both races on a single Formula 3 weekend.

Exclusive: Arvid Lindblad – I want to be a Formula One world champion

British Asian race car driver Arvid Anand Olof Lindblad is only 16, but he has set his sights on the highest echelons of motorsport. With a clear vision and remarkable talent, Lindblad’s journey from karting prodigy to Formula 3 Championship contender is marked by a deep-rooted passion for racing, inspired by his family.

His journey into motorsport began at a young age, when he was influenced by his father and grandfather.


"My dad and paternal grandfather were passionate about motorsports and watched it live and on TV a lot. My dad had pursued Motocross when he was younger and to a competitive level, but a lack of financing meant he couldn’t continue. But it was their deep interest that ignited my own," Lindblad told Eastern Eye in an interview.

When he was five, his father, Stefan Lindblad, introduced him to karting, which immediately resonated with him.

"When I was around three- to four years old, my dad got me a Motocross bike and I had a go, but I didn’t like it. Then at five, he took me karting for the first time and I really loved it. From rental karts, I went on to get my own kart, and I started to race competitively at six years old and then continued to pursue it," Lindblad said.

arvid2 Arvid became the first driver to win both races on a single Formula 3 weekend and is now seen as a contender in the Drivers’ Championship fight.

Karting quickly became a cornerstone of Lindblad's development. "Karting has played a big part of my life as a driver and it’s where I learned my craft both in terms of driving and then racing.

“From 2013 to 2018, I raced in the UK, but from the age of 11 to 15, my coach, Oliver Rowland, wanted me to shift to Europe where I was able to race more powerful karts, and so I then shifted to there," he said.

Lindblad's victories in the WSK Super Master Series and the WSK Euro Series laid the groundwork for his transition to single-seater racing. Reflecting on these achievements, he said, "Winning the WSK Super Master Series and the WSK Euro Series were pivotal moments for me. They gave me the confidence and the recognition to transition into single-seater racing."

arvid4 Arvid Lindblad has clear long-term aspirations to reach Formula One.

In 2022, Lindblad began competing in the Italian F4 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing, marking a significant step in his career. The move from karting to Formula racing presented new challenges, but his experience helped him adapt and grow as a driver. "Transitioning from karting to the Italian F4 Championship was a big step. The competition was tougher, and the cars were different, but my experience in karting helped me adapt quickly," Lindblad said.

Being part of the Red Bull Junior Team has been crucial in Lindblad's career. "The Red Bull Junior Team has given me incredible opportunities and guidance, helping me compete at higher levels and refine my racing skills," he said.

Red Bull Racing is one of the biggest Formula One racing teams and has been associated with drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, and Mark Webber.

arvid red bull 5 Being part of the Red Bull Junior Team has been crucial in Lindblad's career.

Some significant achievements have marked Lindblad's tenure with PREMA Racing. He moved to PREMA Racing in 2023 for a full campaign, finished third in last year’s standings, and was fourth in the Euro 4 Championship. Lindblad was also the winner in the Macau F4 World Cup race at the end of 2023.

Lindblad highlighted the importance of preparation and strategy in his success. "Race preparation is crucial. I focus on physical fitness, mental preparation, and understanding the track and race conditions. We have a strategy in place, but it's important to be flexible and adapt as the race unfolds," he said.

Adapting strategies during races is also essential, he added, "especially when faced with unexpected challenges or opportunities”.

“You have to stay calm and make quick decisions," Lindblad said.

His recent success at Silverstone was a historic milestone. He became the first driver to win both races on a single Formula 3 weekend and is now seen as a contender in the Drivers’ Championship fight.

"Winning all races on home soil was an incredible feeling. My goal was to stay focused, execute the strategies we had planned, and adapt to the race dynamics as needed," the youngster said. These two victories placed him sixth in the Championship, and now he is in third place with 113 points, just six behind leader Gabriele Minì of Italy.

Lindblad's immediate goals include continuing his success in the current racing season and further honing his skills. He has clear long-term aspirations to reach Formula One. "My dream is to be a Formula One driver. I want to be a Formula One world champion," he said.

arvid3 Lindblad credits his support system and disciplined approach for his ability to manage expectations and perform under pressure.

In his career so far, Lindblad has consistently demonstrated his skills and potential, making a significant impact in various championships. His karting success in the WSK Super Master Series and WSK Euro Series showcased his talent early on.

Transitioning to the Italian F4 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing, he quickly adapted and continued to excel. From his early days in karting to his recent triumphs at Silverstone, Lindblad has consistently demonstrated his potential.

Despite the pressures of being a rising star in motorsport, Lindblad remains grounded and focused. He credits his support system and disciplined approach for his ability to manage expectations and perform under pressure.

AE6I3458 Arvid was baptised in a temple, gurdwara, and church.

"Handling the pressures and expectations is part of the job. I have a great support system, and I stay disciplined in my approach. This helps me stay focused and perform at my best," he said.

Reflecting on his role models, Lindblad cited Lewis Hamilton as an inspiration.

"His journey and achievements in Formula One are incredibly motivating. I've always looked up to him and tried to learn from his career."

Hamilton has won a joint-record seven championship titles and holds the records for most wins, pole positions, and podium finishes. Last week he secured his 104th career victory, holding off Verstappen to win the British Grand Prix for a record ninth time.

arvid6 Lindblad's immediate goals include continuing his success in the current racing season and further honing his skills.

"Being a man of colour, I always kind of looked up to him. He was sort of the one I related to most. When I was young, he was really impressive in those years. Whenever I was young and watching Formula One on TV with my dad, he was always the one I was looking out for. So I think Lewis would be my idol even to this day, I guess you could say," Lindblad said.

Lindblad was brought up in a multicultural and multi-faith environment. His father Stefan belongs to the Christian faith, while his maternal grandfather is a Hindu and grandmother, a Sikh. Arvid was baptised in a temple, gurdwara, and church.

Lindblad’s mother, Anita Ahuja’s parents, Amarjeet and Anand Sheel, were both born in India in 1941 and lived in Punjab before it became part of Pakistan. They attended medical college in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, where they qualified as doctors.

In 1968, they moved to the UK for further medical studies and ultimately settled here.

Arvid’s mother was born in Manchester in 1974.

Arvid was born in London in 2007 and lives in Surrey.

Lindblad's maternal grandparents visit India each year and plan to take Arvid there for Christmas later this year.

(All photos used in the story were provided by the family of Arvid Lindblad)

More For You

Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Different Days? 3 Key Reasons

Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next

iStock

3 reasons why Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr on different days

Eid is one of the most joyous and important festivals in Islam, celebrated twice a year by Muslims worldwide. However, it’s common to see variations in the exact day of celebration, even within the same country. Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next. This divergence can sometimes confuse people outside the Muslim community and even among Muslims themselves. But the reasons for this variation are rooted in Islamic traditions and differing interpretations of how to determine the Islamic calendar.

Here are the three main reasons why Muslims don’t always celebrate Eid on the same day:

Keep ReadingShow less
Keir-Starmer-Getty

Keir Starmer’s communications chief has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Starmer’s communications chief Matthew Doyle resigns after nine months

KEIR STARMER’s communications chief, Matthew Doyle, has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. Doyle, a Labour veteran who previously worked for Tony Blair, joined Starmer’s team as communications director four years ago when the party was in opposition.

His departure follows that of Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff, who left in the autumn. Doyle’s exit is expected to lead to the promotions of James Lyons to director of communications (strategy) and Steph Driver to director of communications (delivery), according to the BBC.

Keep ReadingShow less
Leicester leaders push for major expansion amid local government shake-up

Leicester’s population is expected to grow from 372,000 now to just over 600,000 by 2028

Leicester leaders push for major expansion amid local government shake-up

Hannah Richardson

LEICESTER leaders have named the areas they want to be incorporated into the city amid a shake-up of local government structures. The massive expansion plan would see a number of towns and villages at the city’s edges brought inside Leicester’s boundary.

Leicester City Council is looking to take part of Blaby and Harborough districts, and part of Oadby and Wigston and Charnwood boroughs. Among the communities being eyed up are Glenfield, Oadby, Wigston, Blaby, Whetstone, Syston, Anstey, Leicester Forest East, Birstall, Kirby Muxloe, Thurmaston and Countesthorpe.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lakshmi-Mittal-Getty

Mittal, who built his steel business over five decades, moved to the UK in 1995. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Lakshmi Mittal may leave UK after non-dom tax abolition: report

STEEL tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is considering leaving the UK following the government’s decision to abolish the non-domiciled tax status. The move would make him one of the most prominent entrepreneurs to leave due to the tax reform.

Mittal, who has lived in the UK for three decades, has informed associates that his departure is likely due to Labour’s decision to end the non-dom regime, which allowed certain residents to avoid paying UK tax on foreign income.

Keep ReadingShow less
Benji Madden Says He Has a "Healthy Fear" of Cameron Diaz

The couple continues to celebrate milestones in their marriage

Getty

Cameron Diaz's husband Benji Madden: "I have a healthy fear of her"

Joel Madden, who is married to fashion designer and reality TV star Nicole Richie, also shared insights into his relationship on the podcast. The couple has been married since 2010 and are parents to two children: daughter Harlow, 17, and son Sparrow, 15. Joel spoke candidly about the way his wife "runs the show" in their household, while also stressing that they are equal partners.

“I don't know if I ever thought someone could keep me,” Joel admitted. “I don't know how I felt about it. I was a relationship guy, but then I met Nicole, and she absolutely runs the show, but we are partners.”

Keep ReadingShow less