At just 17 years old, Arvid Lindblad, one of Red Bull’s brightest junior prospects, has been soaking up inspiration from none other than four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. As Lindblad prepares for his Formula 2 debut in 2025, Verstappen’s guidance and approachability have left a lasting impression on the young talent, solidifying the Dutchman’s role as a beacon for Red Bull’s next generation.
Max Verstappen: A Champion Mentor
Despite his packed schedule and relentless pursuit of excellence, Verstappen has made time to offer detailed and thoughtful advice to Lindblad, showcasing a side of his character often unseen by the public.
“He’s always very impressive on the racetrack, and to deal with him, he’s always been really good to me,” Lindblad shared in an interview with RacingNews365.
“He’s gone into quite a lot of detail and really tried to help me. For someone of his calibre, a four-time world champion, to take the time and be so open and honest is very inspiring.”
Lindblad expressed his admiration for Verstappen’s demeanor, noting how these interactions have strengthened his aspirations to one day emulate the Dutchman’s success:
“Seeing those characteristics and behaviours from him is something I aspire to have, hopefully in the future.”
Lindblad’s Rapid Ascent Through the Ranks
Lindblad has been a standout in the junior categories, impressing with wins in Italian F4 and Formula 3 over the past two years. His rapid development has caught the eye of Red Bull’s Helmut Marko, who has earmarked the young Brit-Swede for a potential Formula 1 seat with the Racing Bulls team in 2026.
The Road to F1: Helmut Marko’s Master Plan
Marko has outlined a rigorous path for Lindblad to prepare him for the pinnacle of motorsport:
- Formula Regional Campaign in New Zealand:
To gain points for his Super License, Lindblad will compete in the high-stakes Formula Regional Championship, where a title victory is the primary goal. - Success in Formula 2:
Marko is pushing Lindblad to be among the frontrunners in the F2 championship.
“We want him to win or to be one of the top players in Formula 2,” Marko said. - F1 Testing with Previous Cars:
Unlike some of his predecessors, such as Liam Lawson or Isack Hadjar, Lindblad will benefit from extensive testing in Red Bull’s two-year-old F1 cars.
“It will be several tests,” Marko confirmed, ensuring Lindblad enters F1 with as much experience as possible.
2026: The F1 Dream Becomes Real?
Red Bull’s clear investment in Lindblad indicates their belief in his potential to make a seamless transition to Formula 1. With Verstappen serving as a role model and mentor, Lindblad is well-positioned to carry the Red Bull legacy forward.
If his trajectory continues, the Brit-Swede could join the exclusive ranks of Red Bull juniors who’ve reached the F1 stage, following the likes of Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo.
Max Verstappen’s Legacy: More Than Titles
Verstappen’s influence on drivers like Lindblad reflects a broader legacy beyond his record-breaking performances. His willingness to mentor and inspire the next generation cements his status not just as a champion but as a leader in the sport.
As Lindblad sets his sights on Formula 1, Verstappen’s guidance may prove to be the secret ingredient that helps him thrive on the world’s biggest racing stage.