Hamilton's Confidence Inspired Lindblad's Viral Message to Norris

British prospect Arvid Lindblad will make his Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls in 2026, five years after a viral paddock moment where he told Lando Norris, "Don't wait to remember me — I’ll see you in five years." The young driver credits Lewis Hamilton's legendary confidence as his inspiration for the bold statement.

Why it matters:

Lindblad's story highlights the powerful influence of mentorship and self-belief in the high-stakes world of motorsport. His journey from a confident teenager in the paddock to a confirmed F1 driver underscores how early ambition, when backed by performance, can forge a path to the top tier of racing. It also shows how the legends of the sport inspire the next generation.

The details:

• The now-famous encounter happened in 2021 when a teenage Lindblad approached Norris at a karting event. A friend's dare that he "hadn't got the balls" to speak to the McLaren star prompted Lindblad's direct approach.
• Lindblad revealed the line was inspired by Lewis Hamilton's own story of confidently telling McLaren boss Ron Dennis as a youngster that he would one day drive for the team.
• Path to F1: His performance justified the confidence. Lindblad recently won the Formula 2 Sprint Race in Abu Dhabi and finished sixth in the championship in his rookie F2 season, securing the Racing Bulls seat for 2026 alongside Liam Lawson.
• Red Bull Racing was convinced by his "flashes of genuine class" in F2, despite a season also marked by some costly errors, to back him for the promotion.

What's next:

Lindblad now has little time to rest before his official F1 debut with Racing Bulls in 2026. The focus will shift to extensive preparation with his new team, aiming to translate his junior formula success into points and consistency on the grand prix stage. His story comes full circle as he prepares to share the grid with Norris, the driver he boldly confronted years ago.