Read at 3 different speeds

Young racer starts new F1 engine - 16th March 2026

New Formula 1 driver Arvid Lindblad's made history at the Australian Grand Prix. He's now the youngest ever British F1 driver and is this year's only new driver. However, this isn't his only special quality.

Lindblad's also bringing some diversity to the racing track. With a Swedish father and a British Indian mother, he's breaking through barriers in the sport.

He's the first driver of British Indian heritage to race in Formula 1. "It is something I'm very proud of, and I'm looking forward to bringing some different countries to the grid."

Motorsport's been part of Lindblad's life since he took up go-karting, aged just 5. Ten years later, he was competing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship.

From there, he made swift progress, breaking into Formula 3 and Formula 2. At both levels, he holds the record for the youngest driver to win a race, aged just 16 and 17 at the time.

He began practising in modern F1 cars in 2025 in TPC, which stands for Testing of Previous Car sessions. However, F1 cars have been significantly redesigned for the current season, with different engines and bodies. They come with smaller tyres and are powered by carbon-neutral fuels.

With British, Indian and Swedish flags on his helmet, Lindblad started in 9th place. He overtook Lewis Hamilton at one point and got up to 3rd position. Although he came in 8th overall, he has the honour of being the third-youngest driver to win points in a grand prix.