Dino Chiesa, an iconic figure in karting, sees Arvid Lindblad as a raw talent comparable to Lewis Hamilton, but also warns about a temperament that could slow his rise in Formula 1.
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Having helped shape drivers like Hamilton, Nico Rosberg or Alexander Albon, Chiesa knows how to recognize the difference between pure speed and championship potential.
According to him, Lindblad shares more of Hamilton’s competitive DNA than Rosberg’s: “I would say he is more like Lewis. Nico was very polite and more inclined to accept a second place than Lewis or Arvid. Arvid is very aggressive in racing: he doesn’t wait, he doesn’t calculate everything. When he catches up to a driver, he overtakes immediately. But because he is intelligent, he avoids major incidents.”
Taking the time to grow
Beyond aggressiveness, Chiesa highlights his technical adaptability: “He is a very fluid and intelligent driver. He can change his driving style if necessary. He learns quickly, adapts to braking, tires, and chassis. And he is very fast in the rain.”
But this comparison with Hamilton has a downside. The intensity that makes the difference on track can also become a problem off it.
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Chiesa remembers a revealing episode: “He spent three very good years with me in karting, but after a second place behind a teammate, he told me: ‘Shit, you gave him the best engine!'”
Overflowing energy
A behavior that, according to him, must evolve: “He is still young, but thinking like that can ruin a career. You have to accept the situation and perform at your best.”
Now integrated into the demanding environment of Racing Bulls at just 18 years old, Lindblad will have to channel this energy: “He will be good for Red Bull, but he must learn to count to ten before speaking. He is very passionate and can say things he shouldn’t.”
“In Formula 1, you have to be political, but not at 18,” he concludes. “When you become a Verstappen or a Hamilton, you can say whatever you want. But before that, you have to be more measured, and Arvid is not a politician.”
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