Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie on the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season, has named four-time world champion Max Verstappen as a significant inspiration for his career. Lindblad, who drives for Racing Bulls, made his Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year.
Lindblad has described Verstappen as approachable and willing to offer guidance to younger drivers. He noted that Verstappen is ‘really nice’ and ‘friendly,’ taking the time to provide advice despite his demanding schedule.
The British-Swedish driver expressed admiration for Verstappen’s consistent performance and adaptability. Lindblad stated that Verstappen ‘seems to have no weaknesses’ and is ‘a bit better than everyone else’ in his ability to maximize any situation.
Lindblad joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2021 and has progressed rapidly through the junior categories. He became the youngest race winner in both Formula 3 and Formula 2 before his promotion to Formula 1.
During the current 2026 Formula 1 season, Lindblad has secured multiple points finishes. He achieved a seventh-place finish in Monaco, a ninth in Barcelona-Catalunya, and a tenth in Austria.
He also finished eighth in his debut race in Australia and recorded a seventh-place finish at Silverstone, followed by a ninth at the Belgian Grand Prix.
In a related development, McLaren junior driver Dries van Langendonck has also recently joined ‘Verstappen Racing,’ an initiative by Max Verstappen to support young talent. Van Langendonck, a 15-year-old Belgian, will receive additional guidance from Verstappen.
Van Langendonck, who currently leads the British Formula 4 standings, has also publicly stated that Max Verstappen has ‘always been an idol’ for him. This support from Verstappen Racing complements his existing McLaren development programme.
Max Verstappen has always been my idol. Growing up in Belgium I naturally felt connected to him, but beyond that he’s a great driver and someone I’ve always admired enormously.
It is important to note that Verstappen Racing operates independently of the official Red Bull Junior Team. Van Langendonck’s backing from Verstappen is a personal mentorship arrangement.
