Arvid Lindblad clinches the title in Formula Oceania and moves to Formula 2
Arvid Lindblad won the Formula Oceania championship title and the points needed for his super license. At 17, he is ready to make the big leap to Formula 2 next year, with a clear goal: F1.
Last weekend, at the final race of the Formula Regional Oceania Championship at Highlands Motorsport Park, Arvid Lindblad secured the first major title of his career. A second-place finish was enough to clinch the crown and, as the icing on the cake, the necessary points to obtain his F1 super license. The Briton didn’t have an easy race: « It was certainly not the easiest race of the championship so far », Lindblad admitted after the race. But the performance was there: « I wanted to get a very good start because I knew it would be crucial for the result », added the future F2 driver. Lindblad, although trailed by Patrick Heuzenroeder towards the end of the race, did not give up and finished second. A result sufficient to allow him to clinch the Formula Regional Oceania championship title with two races to spare.
A great license in hand, or almost
This title in Formula Oceania marks a decisive turning point in Lindblad’s career. With these points in hand, he is now eligible to obtain his super license, the famous certification that allows participation in Formula 1 testing. However, as he notes, this will not be possible until he turns 18 next August. However, the FIA has introduced an exception that allows teams to request a super license for free practices only, thus enabling a young talent to drive in F1 earlier than expected.
Helmut Marko is full of praise for Lindblad: « He is probably our best talent ». Strong words for a driver who, at just 17 years old, has not yet made his F2 debut but has already conquered the motorsport world. « He is certainly the person who pushes himself the most from back to front with his performances », noted Marko to the Kleine Zeitung, who sees him as the future prodigy of Red Bull. Lindblad finished this season in Formula 3, in fourth place in the championship with four wins and five podiums to his credit. The future of the British driver seems well-mapped, and Helmut Marko, Red Bull advisor, is particularly enthusiastic about seeing his protégé progress.
Towards F2 then F1
In 2025, Lindblad will take the leap into Formula 2 with Campos Racing. The goal is clear: prove himself before joining F1. Several drivers from the Red Bull Junior Team, like Liam Lawson or Jüri Vips, have taken this path before moving to F1, and Lindblad seems to have what it takes to follow this trajectory. The young driver doesn’t let himself be overwhelmed by the immense pressure that accompanies his rise: « Whatever happens, really happy and grateful to M2 for the car this season and thank you to them », added Lindblad.
One thing is certain, Arvid Lindblad is not done making headlines!
