Photo: Race Pictures

Lindblad explains his Hamilton-inspired words to Norris after landing F1 seat

16:07, 03 Dec

bySamson Ero

Current Red Bull Junior driver Arvid Lindblad has revisited the bold claim he made to Lando Norris, following the announcement that he will race in Formula 1 for Racing Bulls in 2026.

“I'd gotten a bit of inspiration from the Lewis Hamilton–Ron Dennis story.”

- Arvid Lindblad

The 18-year-old detailed the moment leading up to his brief conversation with Norris, revealing how the words of seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton to then-McLaren team boss Ron Dennis inspired him.

"I told my friend, ‘I think I'm going up to Lando.’ And he was like, ‘Oh no, you don't have the guts.’ 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.’ I'd gotten a bit of inspiration from the Lewis Hamilton–Ron Dennis story, saying, ‘I'm going to drive one of your cars one day,’” he said via Motorsports.

Reflecting on Norris’ reaction, Lindblad added that the McLaren driver seemed slightly taken aback but responded modestly.

Arvid Lindblad driving during FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

“I think he was a bit taken aback and said something like, ‘Oh, that's nice to think of.’ I'm sure there are lots of people who say those kinds of things, so it didn't really mean anything at the time.”

The Formula 2 driver, however, stated that he had faith in his words and his path to advance into Formula 1.

“But as I said, 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. It's a funny story to look back on because it has now become true. Five years later, it finally has,” he concluded.

Arvid Lindblad celebrates on the Formula 2 podium in Monza - Photo: Race Pictures

While Lindblad’s words might have been taken with a pinch of salt when he spoke to Norris some five years ago, the current Campos Racing driver has now seen his dream materialise, after the Racing Bulls team announced he would be replacing Isack Hadjar, who will race for Red Bull from the 2026 campaign.

Lindblad labels racing in F1 a dream

Following the announcement of the 18-year-old ahead of the 2026 season, Lindblad described the opportunity to race in Formula 1 as a dream. The young British driver also reflected on how his journey in the sport began when he was just five years old.

“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," he said.