Celebration at Red Bull Racing: 'The new Verstappen' turns 18

19:20, 08 Aug

byCas van de Kleut

Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad had reason to celebrate on Friday, as the British driver turned 18. The Formula 2 talent — often compared to Max Verstappen — took to Instagram to thank the Red Bull team in his birthday message.

Lindblad is currently competing in Formula 2, where he made history in Saudi Arabia by becoming the youngest race winner in the series, clinching victory in the sprint race at Jeddah.

In July, he also got his first taste of official Formula 1 action. Stepping in for Yuki Tsunoda during the first practice session ahead of the British Grand Prix, Lindblad shared the track with none other than Max Verstappen.

Remarkably, he achieved this milestone at just 17 years old. Normally, drivers must be at least 18 to take part in an F1 session, but following a special request from Red Bull, the FIA granted Lindblad an early super lisence.

Arvid Lindblad turned 18 today

Lindblad celebrates eighteenth birthday

As of this Friday, Lindblad would have been allowed to take action without exception. The Brit has indeed turned eighteen years old. On Instagram, the Red Bull prodigy wrote: “18 today! It's been one wild, fun, and challenging ride so far-and it's only just getting started.''

''Grateful for the constant support from my family and for everyone who's been by my side: Oliver Rowland, Sam Village, Red Bull, Dr. Marko, and Rocky Thank you for being part of the ride. The best is yet to come!''

Along with the message, Lindblad posted multiple childhood pictures. It can be seen that, as a kid, the Brit already had Red Bull Racing merchandise. In two pictures, he is seen dressed in the team outfit where he is currently in the Driver Academy.

After a question from GPblog, earlier this season, Lindblad spoke about what he thinks of being frequently compared to Verstappen. The Red Bull junior said he enjoyed being compared to a four-time world champion, but that he is simply focused on what he is doing.