Meet the brilliant F1 star who doesn’t even have a driving licence

In a world where Formula 1 drivers are often seen as the epitome of automotive prowess, one rising star is turning heads for a surprising reason: he doesn’t even hold a driving licence. Meet Arvid Lindblad, the 18-year-old rookie from the Red Bull Racing team, who is set to make waves this weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix.

While only 22 elite drivers are privileged enough to compete in F1, Lindblad stands out not just for his talent but for his unique situation. Despite his experience behind the wheel of cutting-edge F1 cars and high-tech simulators, he has yet to navigate the roads legally.

As the only newcomer on the 2026 grid, Lindblad’s lack of a driving licence is somewhat understandable, especially considering the lengthy wait times for driving tests these days. However, he recently shared some exciting news: he has officially begun taking driving lessons.

In a light-hearted moment during a Sky Sports commentary segment for an England vs India cricket match, Lindblad revealed his unusual predicament to presenter Ian Ward and commentator Ravi Shastri. Ward humorously suggested that Lindblad should simply show his super licence to the DVLA and request a road test. Lindblad, with a grin, replied, “Yeah unfortunately that doesn’t work.”

Initially amused by the situation, the young driver admitted that it’s becoming a bit of a hassle. “It’s a bit sad that I haven’t got my licence. It was funny for a bit and now it’s just getting a bit silly. So I’m working on it. I had my first driving lesson yesterday, so yeah, need to get it soon,” he shared.

Reflecting on his debut season in Formula 1, Lindblad spoke about the thrilling transition from Formula 2 to the top tier of motorsport. “It’s been so cool, very different from F2; it’s been a big step up both on and off the track. But I’ve loved it,” he expressed. “This was something I’ve been dreaming of my whole life, getting to Formula 1, so I’ve been really living my dream this year and it’s been amazing.”

As the Belgian Grand Prix approaches, fans are eager to see how Lindblad will perform on the track. Will he soon be navigating both the F1 circuit and the streets of Milton Keynes? Only time will tell.