Arvid Lindblad’s bold prediction to Lando Norris comes true with Racing Bulls F1 seat
Five years ago, a young Arvid Lindblad walked up to Lando Norris and made a promise that seemed far-fetched at the time. Now that promise has become reality.
The 18-year-old Formula 2 driver has just been announced as a Racing Bulls F1 driver for 2026, making good on the bold claim he once made to Norris.
“I told my friend, ‘I think I’m going up to Lando.’ And he was like, ‘Oh no, you don’t have the guts,'” Lindblad recalled.
What happened next was pure teenage courage.
“I didn’t really know what I was going to say, and the first thing that came out was, ‘I want you to remember me. I’m going to see you in five years.'”
Lindblad admits he took inspiration from another famous moment in F1 history – when a young Lewis Hamilton told McLaren boss Ron Dennis he’d drive for him one day.
Norris, now one of F1’s top stars, was caught off guard by the youngster’s confidence.
“I think he was a bit taken aback and said something like, ‘Oh, that’s nice to think of,'” Lindblad shared. “I’m sure there are lots of people who say those kinds of things, so it didn’t really mean anything at the time.”
But Lindblad never doubted himself.
“I had this belief that I would make it to F1. I had it when I said that to Lando, and I have that same belief today,” he said. “It’s a funny story to look back on because it has now become true. Five years later, it finally has.”
What seemed like teenage bravado has transformed into reality with Racing Bulls confirming Lindblad will replace Isack Hadjar in 2026, as Hadjar moves up to the main Red Bull team.
## From childhood dream to F1 reality
For Lindblad, this announcement represents the culmination of a lifelong journey.
“It’s been my dream to be in F1 since I started this journey when I was five, so having that come true is very special,” the young British driver said.
Currently racing in Formula 2 with Campos Racing while serving as a Red Bull Junior driver, Lindblad has already gotten a taste of F1 machinery, participating in Free Practice 1 at this year’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
His path to the top flight of motorsport has been impressive, with podium finishes including a memorable result at Monza in F2 this season.
## Abu Dhabi title showdown approaches
As Lindblad celebrates his future F1 seat, all eyes in the paddock are turning to the championship-deciding race in Abu Dhabi.
The action at Yas Marina Circuit will determine this year’s champions across multiple categories, bringing an exciting season to its conclusion.
Want to stay updated with all the news from Abu Dhabi? Follow GPblog’s paddock updates on Spotify and YouTube for the latest as the final race weekend unfolds.
