Racing Bulls Formula 1 driver Arvid Lindblad has yet to pass his UK driving test, having failed his theory test by a single point despite reaching speeds exceeding 200mph on the racetrack. The 18-year-old rookie, who turned 18 in August 2025, remains without a full driving licence nearly a year later.
Failed theory test after last-minute revision
Speaking to Will Buxton on the podcast Up To Speed, Lindblad admitted he has not taken any driving lessons and failed his theory test by one point. “I haven't actually had a lesson yet. I did my theory a couple months ago,” he said. “I missed by one. I was like ‘urgh! Rage bait!’”
The Red Bull academy driver explained he started revising at 8pm the night before the test, studying for three to four hours. “I thought it was enough, because I spoke to my mate and he was just like, ‘Yeah, I just turned up.’ I was like, ‘Right, I'll do a bit revision, I'll be fine,’ and I missed by one.”
Common struggle among F1 stars
Lindblad is not alone in failing his driving test on the first attempt. Reigning world champion Lando Norris, former champion Jenson Button, Mercedes driver George Russell, and Ollie Bearman all failed their initial road tests. Despite his on-track expertise, Lindblad finds the test's specific requirements challenging.
He plans to book lessons to master the test's nuances: “The things that the instructors are very hot on – checking your mirrors multiple times, you have 10 and two on the hands. All those sorts of basic stuff that aren't really actually proper driving, to make sure I'm on top of all of that so I don't get caught off guard.”
Impressive F1 debut season
Despite lacking a road licence, Lindblad has impressed in his debut F1 season. He has scored 14 points in the first eight races, including a career-best seventh-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix in June. He currently relies on his mother for lifts but says he is comfortable driving on the road with her supervision.
“I've driven still quite a lot on the road, because I'm allowed to with my mum. I'm very comfortable on the road. I can park well and all of that stuff,” he said.
