In a sport where youth is often synonymous with raw potential, Arvid Lindblad is redefining what it means to be ready before 18. Born to a British-Indian mother and Swedish father, Lindblad races under the British flag and is currently one of the brightest young prospects in motorsport. Earlier this week, the Red Bull Junior Driver, who currently races for Campos Racing in F2, the 17-year-old secured his FIA Super License — the essential passport to Formula 1 — making him eligible for F1 practice sessions even before reaching adulthood.

His 2025 Formula 2 campaign has been nothing short of sensational: from becoming the youngest driver to win both a Sprint and Feature Race this season to currently sitting third in the championship standings, just a few points shy of the leader. He's been consistent with his performance, earning top 5 results in both, the Imola and Monaco GP. And with fellow 17-year-old phenom Kimi Antonelli claiming his first podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix last night, it’s clear that the next generation of elite racers is not just coming — they’ve arrived.

Lindblad’s meteoric rise has already drawn comparisons to Max Verstappen, who also carved out an early path to F1 glory. Calm, calculated, and relentlessly focused, Lindblad’s performances suggest that a Formula 1 seat isn’t just a dream — it’s on the horizon. As soon as the confirmation of his Super License came through, we caught up with Lindblad to talk about what the milestone means, the comparisons to Max, testing at a legendary track like Imola and how he’s keeping his head down while the F1 spotlight heats up. Here's what he had to say.

Also Read: Arvid Lindblad, the 17-year-old Indian-origin F2 Driver, is on the Victory Road to Glory 

In Conversation With Arvid Lindblad:

Q. Youngest driver to win an F2 sprint in Jeddah and with the pole in Barcelona, also a feature race. Can you walk us through your mindset during the Barcelona GP where you were able to build a 4-second lead, but then also had to hold your position despite the safety car coming out in the last few laps? 

Arvid Lindblad: Coming into the race, I was a bit nervous. It was the first time that I had been on pole in either F2 or F3. I was focused on getting a good start and a good first stint as I knew it would create opportunities for the rest of the race and would translate into a strategic advantage. It was important to manage the tyres well and keep a buffer if there was a challenge from the guys on the alternate strategy or a late safety car. I did a great start and built a good lead and then continued from there.

Q. Now, you stand third within the championship with less than 10 points away to leading the championship title race. What are your biggest challenges to getting on top of the table and how do you plan on dealing with them? 

AL: I'm not overly focused on the championship. There have been some tough rounds as well and things have not always been within my control, I am trying to keep my focus on the basics. If we do that, we will have good results and that's what ultimately matters for the championship anyway!

Q. Many comparisons are being made between you and Max Verstappen. How does that feel? Do you see yourself walking in his footsteps and what have your interactions with him been like so far? Any valuable advice he's offered? 

AL: It's nice to have comparisons to Max, but honestly it's something that I don't really think about. He's always been a very nice and friendly guy. Whenever I've had any questions and wanted any advice he's been very friendly and offered to help. I have a lot of respect for him and he's a good person.

Q. Congratulations on getting your super license! How did it feel when you had got the license? Can we expect to see you take your test runs in an F1 car during a practice session this season? 

AL: Getting the super license was cool and a proud moment for me; it was a real step forward on the journey and we will see what that means for the future. The next round is in Red Bull ring and I'm just really focused on F2.

Q. Your road to an F1 driver looks inevitable at the moment. When you eventually get there, what are some things that you are most looking forward to experiencing an an F1 driver? 

AL: It's really nice that you say F1 is inevitable for me. I don't really look at things in that way! In motorsport things can change quickly. I am just really focused on my performance and trying to keep doing my best and keep working hard. In the end, my on track performances are going to create opportunities and options for me in the future, so that's what I focus on and then, we will see what happens!

Q. You tested for your super license at one of F1's most legendary tracks, Imola, where you stood second in the Sprint. It has now been confirmed that the track has been eliminated from the 2026 calendar and led to quite a debate online. Where do you stand on this? 

AL: Driving in Imola in an F1 car was amazing, it’s very enjoyable. It’s a great circuit it’s very old school. There are a lot of kerbs, high speed corners, a lot of variation in the corners and with the gravel there is not a lot of margin for mistakes. So, in summary, it’s a great circuit and it’s a real shame that it’s not on the calendar next year but hopefully it will come back soon.

Q. Can you share your thoughts on the regulations changes coming up in 2026? If you move to F1 next year, how difficult would it be to adapt to the technicalities and strategy between F2 to F1? 

AL: I don’t know all the ins and outs of the 2026 regulations but I am starting to hear and learn more about them. It definitely seems that F1 will change a lot next year. I think it’s good to have change, it will shake up the order definitely and it’s exciting for everyone and the racing will be a bit different. But I don’t think anyone really knows what will happen and what it will be like until the season starts in Melbourne next year. For sure it will be different. I understand that the battery will be a bigger element than it’s been in the past and it’s probably good to look at Formula E to see if there are some learnings there to translate across.

Q. You've bagged some record-breaking achievements even before you've turned 18 and that too at break-neck speed. Do you ever get the time to sit and reflect on these amazing accomplishments?

AL: F1 and F2 are very different. I have had a very good couple of years; I have been fortunate to be in good teams and surrounded by good people who have helped me learn and develop and it’s been a privilege to have been given the opportunity to have these special moments. I try to stay in the moment and not to dwell on other things. Sometimes after very good races I reflect on what I have accomplished and it feels very good but, in reality, I am still very focused on my real goal to get to F1 and be a future World Champion! So, it’s very cool but I don’t like to dwell on stuff too much.