Arvid Lindblad's 5-year promise to Lando Norris comes true with dream Red Bull promotion


Arvid Lindblad's entry into Formula 1 with Racing Bulls in 2026 will also fulfill a promise made by the British-Swedish driver to McLaren's Lando Norris. The 18-year-old British driver has earned his F1 debut after a strong rise through the junior ranks, completing the restructuring of Red Bull's 2026 grid.

Lindblad's move comes after RB promoted Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen, with Racing Bulls pairing Lindblad with Liam Lawson for next season. Yuki Tsunoda has lost his seat, but remains in the organization as a reserve on both teams. The announcement confirms one of Red Bull's youngest F1 promotions, something Lindblad himself predicted as a teenager.

“See you in five years”: Arvid Lindblad's message to Lando Norris comes true

Campos Racing's Arvid Lindblad (4) during F2 testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. Source: GettyCampos Racing's Arvid Lindblad (4) during F2 testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. Source: Getty
Campos Racing's Arvid Lindblad (4) during F2 testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. Source: Getty

In 2021, when Arvid Lindblad was still competing in karting at Adria in Italy, he crossed paths with Lando Norris during a visit to the paddock. The teenager told the McLaren driver he would meet him again on an F1 grid in five years' time.

After his promotion was confirmed, an old clip resurfaced, reposted by Those of Athletic Luke Smith with the title:

“I want you to remember me, see you in five years.” Arvid Lindblad has fulfilled his promise to Lando Norris 👏.

Subsequent years have shown the same pattern. Arvid Lindblad won the WSK Super Master Series under Formula E racer Oliver Rowland in 2020, followed by the WSK Euro Series crown in 2021. It led to his selection to the Red Bull academy in the same year.

Lindblad's single-seater track moved quickly. From a ground-breaking F4 season that ended with a victory in Macau in 2023, to a historic FIA Formula 3 campaign with PREMA in 2024, including the series' first outright sweep of Silverstone.

Formula 2 in 2025 took another leap. Lindblad started the year with points at most rounds and scored outstanding wins in Jeddah and Barcelona. A Monza podium added more weight to his case. His rapid progress paid off a rare super license dispensation at 17similar to Kimi Antonelli as Red Bull prepared him for the next step.

The teenager heads into the Abu Dhabi F2 final sixth in the standings, already knowing his Formula 1 seat.

Arvid Lindblad looks to 2026: 'My goal was always to be in Formula 1'

Red Bull Racing's Arvid Lindblad ahead of the Mexican F1 Grand Prix FP1. Source: GettyRed Bull Racing's Arvid Lindblad ahead of the Mexican F1 Grand Prix FP1. Source: Getty
Red Bull Racing's Arvid Lindblad ahead of the Mexican F1 Grand Prix FP1. Source: Getty

Beyond the F2 season, Arvid Lindblad also handled the early responsibilities of Formula 1. He completed practice outings at Silverstone and Mexico in 2025 with his P6 final in Mexico positioning itself as the best debutante result of that session. It was the clearest sign that he could take the step forward. After his 2026 race seat was confirmed, he reflected on the move, via F1:

“Since I started this journey at the age of five, my goal was always to be in Formula 1, so it's a proud moment to take this step… 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 get there.”

Lindblad's promotion comes at a time when Red Bull continues its pattern of firm and quick decisions. Yuki Tsunoda moves to a reserve role after five years of service, while Lawson remains in the Racing Bulls youth line-up. The team expects the Briton to learn quickly and adapt to a grid that will enter a new regulatory era in 2026.