F1 Driver Arvid Lindblad Praises Sooryavanshi, Recalls Meeting Shubman

MUMBAI- Formula One driver Arvid Lindblad has praised teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and recalled his interaction with India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, with whom he discussed the differences between their respective sports.

Lindblad, who races for Racing Bulls, met Gill at Silverstone during the 2026 Formula One season and again when he attended India’s cricket match against England earlier this year. Describing Gill as “really nice”, Lindblad said they briefly discussed how athletes approach the demands of competing at the highest level.

“We spoke briefly about the differences between our sports and some of the ways he manages things,” Lindblad who is British-Swedish said.

“One of the cool aspects of sport is that athletes can learn from each other, but we didn’t have a particularly deep conversation. It was a fairly short interaction.”

Lindblad also praised Sooryavanshi for his performances at a young age, saying the teenager’s ability to perform on a major stage was particularly impressive.

“He’s obviously very impressive. It’s amazing to see someone so young performing on such a big stage,” he said.

Reflecting on why young athletes across sports are making their mark so early, Lindblad pointed to advances in technology, coaching and preparation.

“Maybe it’s the rajma or something!” he joked, before adding that improvements in technology, coaching and preparation were helping young athletes learn faster than ever.

“What Vaibhav has achieved is particularly remarkable. To make a name for yourself at that age is extremely impressive, and I wish him all the best,” Lindblad said. (IANS)