Arvid Lindblad: I have always been a determined guy.

      Arvid Lindblad, a rookie with Racing Bulls, earned points for 8th place in his very first race, but also stood out at the stage in Japan, where he outperformed Max Verstappen in the second qualifying session and prevented the four-time world champion from advancing to the final. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the British driver talked about himself, his idols in sports, and shared his dream...

      Question: How did your love for motorsport begin?

      Arvid Lindblad: I inherited it from my family, as my grandfather was a passionate motorist, and my father used to do motocross. Unfortunately, he had to give up his career because he didn’t have the money. Then I was born, and when I turned three, I was given a small motorcycle.

      But I didn’t ride it much, mainly because my mom was worried about me. However, I remember that a year later, I started watching Formula 1 races with my dad. Those cars seemed just incredible to me! And at five, I began karting – that’s when I fell in love with motorsport.

      Question: Which tracks on the Formula 1 calendar do you like the most?

      Arvid Lindblad: I would say Melbourne, Budapest, Barcelona, and of course, Silverstone. That’s my home track, and it was there last year that I first worked in a Friday practice behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. My dream is to win the British Grand Prix, and for my family to be in the stands at the racetrack during that time. However, I like the street circuit in Macau the most, where I won a race in Formula 4.

      Question: Do you have any other hobbies?

      Arvid Lindblad: Racing is my passion; it occupies all my thoughts, although lately, I’ve started to pay attention to skateboarding and following the fashion world. By the way, I bought some new clothes for myself in Japan.

      Of course, I believe it’s very important to spend time with family and friends. To break into Formula 1, I had to sacrifice a lot, primarily affecting the social aspects of my life. My classmates kept their distance because I often missed classes.

      Question: Judging by your activity on social media, you have a lot of connections to India...

      Arvid Lindblad: I am proud of my roots and have never lost touch with India. It has helped me become who I am today. I was raised with important qualities like humility and respect. Plus, I love Indian cuisine, although I also enjoy Mexican, Japanese, and Italian culinary traditions.

      Question: Is there anyone in the world of sports whom you consider your heroes?

      Arvid Lindblad: It’s definitely Lewis Hamilton – he debuted in Formula 1 the year I was born and had already won many titles by the time I got into motorsport. But I also have great respect for Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Marc Marquez. I admire Marc because he is truly willing to take risks for victory.

      Question: In Australia, you battled wheel to wheel with Hamilton – what emotions did you experience during that?

      Arvid Lindblad: It was a completely special moment – because a dream came true, and I am competing in F1, and because I am battling with Lewis. I have to thank Racing Bulls for such an opportunity. I consider myself lucky to be part of a team that knows how to work with young drivers, helps them develop, and showcase their talent.

      Question: You are sometimes compared to Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. Do you like that or does it add extra pressure?

      Arvid Lindblad: I take pride in that! Both, like me, went through the Red Bull school and achieved incredible success, winning four titles each. However, such comparisons won’t make me faster. I need to remain realistic and focus on my professional growth. After all, I still have a long way to go.

      Question: In 2021, you told Lando Norris that in five years you would be competing in Formula 1. Where did that confidence come from?

      Arvid Lindblad: I wasn’t really sure about it, but I calculated that if everything went perfectly, I could debut in 2026. I remember that day well; we were in the paddock with a friend, and he said I wouldn’t have the courage to approach and talk to Lando. So, I went up and said the first thing that came to my mind. I’ve always been a decisive guy, and I’m very glad I met the deadline I set back then!

      Question: If you are so good at making predictions, let’s take another shot: what do you hope to achieve in the next five years?

      Arvid Lindblad: Good question! A lot depends on factors beyond my control, but I dream of becoming a world champion. It’s not so important when I achieve that, but it would be wonderful if the dream comes true by 2030.