Arvid Lindblad reveals the story behind choosing number 41 for his F1 debut

Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie entering Formula 1 in 2026, has settled on number 41 for his Racing Bulls debut. The 18-year-old Briton, who replaces the promoted Isack Hadjar at the Faenza-based team, revealed that the choice was sparked by a casual dinner conversation and a desire to forge a new path without historical baggage.

Why it matters:

A driver's number becomes their permanent brand in the sport, sticking with them throughout their career. For a young driver entering the high-pressure environment of the Red Bull family, establishing a distinct identity early is vital. By avoiding numbers associated with past icons, Lindblad ensures his legacy is defined by his own performance rather than comparisons to legends of the past.

The details:

• The Suggestion: The idea originated from a Red Bull advisor during a dinner. She proposed three numbers—41, 45, and 51—derived from his initials and name.
• Visual Appeal: Lindblad admitted he simply thought 41 looked the "coolest" among the options presented to him.
• Clean Slate: A significant motivation was the number's obscurity in motorsport history. "A lot of the lower numbers have been used in other sports and they're very associated to someone," Lindblad noted. He wanted a number that felt fresh and uniquely his.
• The Lineup: Lindblad steps into the seat vacated by Hadjar, who moved up to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, making the Briton the only fresh face on the grid next season.

Looking ahead:

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on the 18-year-old to see how he handles the jump to the pinnacle of motorsport. With his number chosen and the seat secured, Lindblad now faces the task of translating his junior category success into points for Racing Bulls.