Arvid Lindblad Reflects on F1 Debut Season After Three Races, Sets Sights on Miami GP

Arvid Lindblad of the Visa Cash App RB F1 Team is seen ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan, from March 26 to 29, 2026. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Last year’s Formula 1 grid saw several fresh faces join the competition. This year, Lindblad stands alone as the sole rookie on the grid. At just 18 years old, he has already made a strong impression in his first three races, including scoring points in his debut at the Australian Grand Prix. Now, after an extended break, Lindblad is preparing for his first Miami Grand Prix and aiming to build on his promising start to the season.

Lindblad’s 2026 F1 Season So Far

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, SB Nation spoke with Lindblad about the beginning of his F1 journey, his areas for improvement, and his expectations for his first race in Miami. Reflecting on his rookie season after three races, Lindblad shared his thoughts:

“I think it’s gone pretty well. I mean, obviously, Melbourne was the first race, Q3 points on debut was pretty cool. Japan, there were moments of that weekend that were really good as well. I’d sort of summarize it that there’s been quite a few good moments, that have been sort of confidence boosters for me, and sort of shown that I can do a good job. But there’s also been things that haven’t gone so well, which have highlighted the areas to improve. So I have confidence in myself [yet] I know I’ve still got areas to work on, which I think is a really nice place to be in, in the early part of my rookie year.”

Lindblad’s debut at the Australian Grand Prix saw him finish in the points, securing an impressive P8 in his first F1 race. Describing that moment, he said:

“It was pretty cool. I always dreamed of getting to Formula One, so to have that, that day itself, was very special. And to have my parents there as well that weekend was really cool. And then just the way the weekend went, Q3, points, even running P3 at one point on lap one was more than I could have ever imagined.”

Lindblad’s Goals and Next Steps

Having already achieved points in his debut, I asked Lindblad if he had another major milestone on his F1 “to-do” list. While many might expect a podium or a win, Lindblad’s response was more measured:

“I don’t know. I mean, you would say the next sort of chronological step is to score a podium, but in the end, that’s not really something