How Does Arvid Lindblad Handle Pressure While Chasing His F1 Championship Dream?

New Delhi, Sep 8 (NationPress) Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad expresses that he has become adept at handling pressure, stemming from his experiences of being thrown into challenging situations. He shared his ambition of clinching the Formula 1 World Championship.

In a unique interview with IANS, Arvid elaborated on how his debut season in Formula 2 has unfolded, his journey in motorsports, aspirations of becoming a world champion, and much more.

Q. How would you describe your debut F2 season?

AL: The initial phase of the season was quite favorable. It exhibited a positive trajectory overall. While there were moments of misfortune, we generally showcased strong competitiveness in the early rounds. However, from Redbull Ring to Hungary, we experienced a noticeable dip in pace as a team.

We found ourselves more engaged in sprint races rather than feature races. Thankfully, the team put in significant effort during the summer, which made me feel more competitive this week. Although the feature race did not go as planned, I felt considerably quicker, and it was gratifying to be back in the forefront.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in motorsports?

My journey in motorsports began thanks to my father, but more significantly, my paternal grandfather, an avid motorsport enthusiast. He would watch anything with wheels and an engine. My father dabbled in motocross during his teenage years, but financial constraints halted their pursuits.

At the age of three, my dad gifted me my first motocross bike, marking the beginning of my motorsport journey. However, my initial interest was fleeting, as my mother found it concerning to see a three-year-old on a motocross bike. Therefore, that phase was short-lived. However, my passion for motorsport ignited when I started karting at five.

Q. How do you manage the increased pressure as you rapidly ascend through the ranks?

Progressing swiftly through the ranks has been challenging. Throughout my life, I have often found myself in difficult situations, and while it has been tough, I have learned to handle such challenges effectively.

Q. You made headlines as the youngest driver to win an F2 race in the Jeddah Sprint Race. How did that feel?

AL: It felt fantastic. Breaking the record was cool, but winning the race in F2 was even more rewarding. It was essential for me to kickstart my season, especially after some setbacks in Melbourne and Bahrain.

While I appreciated the record, my victory in F2 felt particularly significant, considering the challenges I faced.

Q. How has being part of the Red Bull Junior Programme influenced you?

AL: I consider myself fortunate to have been selected for the Red Bull program, which I joined at the end of 2020 when I was just 13. Their support, especially from Helmut Marko and Rocky, has been invaluable in shaping my development as a driver.

Q. Is there a driver you look up to for motivation?

AL: Growing up, I admired Lewis Hamilton the most. Starting karting, I noticed a lack of diversity, and his journey resonated with me. He made his F1 debut the year I was born and excelled when I was entering the sport. While I don’t idolize anyone now, I have great respect for all drivers, especially Max Verstappen, who is currently performing exceptionally well.

Q. What mindset is required to thrive in Formula 1?

AL: A strong determination is crucial. Like any sport, one must be driven and possess the inner grit to navigate through challenging times while maintaining focus on their goals.

Q. How does it feel to represent India on an international platform?

AL: I take great pride in my Indian heritage. My mother is Indian, and I cherish that aspect of my identity. Raised in the UK yet closely connected to my grandparents, Indian culture is integral to my life.

Q. What are your aspirations in this sport?

AL: My ultimate goal is to become a Formula One champion. That ambition has been with me since I began this journey at five.