Racing Bulls have officially announced that Arvid Lindblad will join their Formula 1 lineup for the 2026 season, marking one of the fastest junior-to-F1 progressions in recent years.
The 18-year-old British driver is set to graduate to Formula 1 after a single season in Formula 2, where he currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship. His rookie campaign has delivered four podium finishes, including two race victories, along with a Pole Position, firmly establishing him as one of the standout emerging talents in the sport.
Lindblad has also sampled F1 machinery this year with two Free Practice 1 outings for Red Bull Racing — first at Silverstone, his home Grand Prix, and most recently in Mexico, where he impressed as the sixth-fastest driver in the session.
Lindblad: “A proud moment… It’s my childhood dream”
Speaking after the announcement, Lindblad expressed deep gratitude and excitement for the challenge ahead:
“I’d like to thank everyone at VCARB for the opportunity. Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula One so it’s a proud moment to take this step. I’m extremely grateful to the Red Bull Junior Programme and my personal team for their guidance, mentorship and belief; none of this would have been possible without their support.
2026 will be a big challenge and I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started — it’s going to be an exciting year!”
Permane: “A standout young talent”
Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane praised Lindblad’s rapid rise through the ranks:
“Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport. Together, they form a strong and dynamic pairing, one that embodies the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new era for Formula One.”
Lindblad’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the team as Formula 1 prepares for major regulation changes in 2026. His promotion reinforces Red Bull’s continued confidence in its junior driver pipeline and adds another exciting prospect to the grid for the upcoming season.
