Arvid Lindblad reveals how his Nani and Nana reacted to his special Diwali-themed F1 helmet
The Racing Bulls rookie explains how Indian customs and traditions have shaped his identity
Lindblad's 2027 Racing Bulls future remains in focus ahead of the team's driver announcement
Arvid Lindblad had a special surprise for his Nani and Nana ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The Racing Bulls rookie had worked with his mother on a Diwali-themed helmet, but the real highlight came when he finally showed the finished design to his grandparents. They absolutely loved it.
Speaking in an interaction arranged by Red Bull India, Lindblad opened up about his family's reaction, the importance of his Indian roots and why the helmet meant so much to him. The conversation also comes at an interesting time, with the youngster's future at Racing Bulls becoming a major talking point ahead of the team's 2027 driver announcement.
Arvid Lindblad Reveals Nani and Nana's Reaction to Diwali Helmet
While his mother was involved in designing the helmet, Lindblad wanted the final reveal to be a surprise for his maternal grandparents. Their reaction made the effort worthwhile.
"Especially my Nani and Nana, they were extremely happy. I helped my mum with the design, so she kind of knew all about it. But when we surprised my Nani and Nana with it, they absolutely loved it. They thought it looked amazing," Lindblad said.
The design featured traditional Diwali elements, including rangoli patterns, diyas, lotus flowers and fireworks. It also carried Phulkari-inspired detailing, paying tribute to his grandmother's Punjabi heritage.
'It's Really Shaped Who I Am': Lindblad on His Indian Roots
For Lindblad, the helmet was not simply about having a different look for a Grand Prix weekend. It was an opportunity to celebrate traditions that have been part of his life since childhood.
"I've been from an early age very exposed to the Indian sort of customs and traditions. And it's really shaped who I am as a person," he explained.
The 19-year-old also hopes the design resonates with fans in India and across the Indian diaspora, although he admitted that the project was deeply personal.
"It's something that I'm very proud of. It was something very personal to me as a celebration that we've always done, and it's felt like my way of celebrating it this year," he added.
Arvid Lindblad's 2027 Racing Bulls Future in Focus
Lindblad and Liam Lawson are both awaiting clarity, while Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov has also been in contention for a seat. Team principal Alan Permane recently said the team was taking its time to make the right decision, with pace, experience and the development of young talent among the factors being considered.
A report on November 11 suggested Lawson and Lindblad could continue together, with an announcement expected soon. However, Racing Bulls had not officially confirmed its 2027 lineup as of November 12.
Whatever the decision, Lindblad has already given Indian fans another reason to connect with him. This time, it was not a result on the track, but a helmet that carried a little piece of home.
