Red Bull rising star reveals affiliation with Lewis Hamilton for this reason

Often labeled as the “next Max Verstappen,” Arvid Lindblad, who has only just turned 18, is among the names touted as one of the most promising future stars of Formula 1.

The English driver, born to an Indian mother and Swedish father, is currently seventh in the F2 championship. Although the title fight has become more challenging in recent races, he remains one of the hottest prospects to make it to Formula 1 in 2026.

Hoping to reach Formula 1’s top class as soon as next year and further lower the average age on the grid, Lindblad admitted in an interview with The Times that he had been a huge admirer of Lewis Hamilton since he was a child — whose birth year coincides with the seven-time world champion’s F1 debut in 2007.

The main reason, in particular, was the connection to skin color—a cause Hamilton has fought for over the years as the first Black driver to officially debut in Formula 1.

“When I started to get more into the sport, it was at the point where he was winning. Then obviously being of colour, and myself being of colour, I felt some form of link,'' the young Red Bull rising star revealed.

A perception that, as Lindblad himself admitted, has gradually faded over the years, reaching a point in his career where he no longer has true idols.

The young British driver has already had a taste of Formula 1, taking part in the first practice session at Silverstone—his home Grand Prix—right alongside Max Verstappen, where he also put in a respectable performance.