Formula 1 drivers might fuel up on performance diets, but for Arvid Lindblad, a bowl of homemade rajma cooked by his Nani holds a special place. The 19-year-old Racing Bulls driver has often spoken about his love for Indian food, particularly his maternal grandmother’s cooking, and how growing up with Indian traditions has kept him connected to his roots. He also jokingly credited everyone’s favourite rajma to the success of young Indian sportspersons.
Arvid Lindblad’s Love For Rajma And His Indian Roots
Born in England to a Swedish father and a British-Indian mother, Arvid Lindblad races under the British flag but takes pride in his Indian and Swedish heritage. And if there is one dish that reminds him of home, it is his Nani’s rajma.
Lindblad’s connection to India goes beyond food. His maternal grandparents have played an important role in keeping Indian culture alive in his family, carrying their traditions and lifestyle with them to the UK. As a result, Indian food and family customs have been a part of his life since childhood.
In an earlier interview with Red Bull, the young driver spoke about growing up eating Nani’s food, naming rajma, chapati and dal among his favourites. He even tried his hand at cooking Indian food alongside his grandmother.
In a recent interview with NDTV, Arvid was asked what he thought was fuelling young Indian talents like himself and cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to achieve so much at such a young age. He jokingly credited it to a familiar favourite, saying, “I don’t know, maybe it’s the rajma or something.”
Jokes aside, he pointed to improvements in technology, coaching and preparation as factors helping young athletes develop faster than previous generations.
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Meeting Shubman Gill & Love For Cricket
Arvid Lindblad’s Indian connection has also brought him closer to the country’s cricketing world too. The Formula 1 driver also opened up about meeting Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill, with whom he shares Punjabi family roots.
Speaking to NDTV, he recalled meeting Gill at Silverstone during the 2026 Formula 1 season and interacting with him again when he attended India’s cricket match against England earlier this year.
“We spoke briefly about the differences between our sports and some of the ways he manages things,” he said.
Although their conversation was short, Lindblad believes athletes from different disciplines can learn from one another. “One of the cool aspects of sport is that athletes can learn from each other,” he added, while clarifying that they did not have a particularly deep conversation.
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Away from the racetrack, Arvid’s love for his Nani’s rajma and the traditions he grew up with offer a reminder that, no matter how far he goes, a little piece of home travels with him.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram//arvid.lindblad & Canva Pro/vm2002
FAQs
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad is a British Formula 1 driver of Indian and Swedish heritage who races for the Racing Bulls team. He made his F1 debut in 2026.
What is Arvid Lindblad’s favourite Indian food?
Lindblad has often spoken about his love for his Nani’s homemade rajma, particularly rajma chawal. He also enjoys Indian dishes such as chapati, dal, channa and missi roti.
Which F1 team does Arvid Lindblad race for?
Lindblad races for Racing Bulls in Formula 1. He progressed through the junior racing categories before making his debut in the sport’s premier championship in 2026.