Britain has its first 2025 motorsport champion – step forward 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad. The Motorsport UK Academy graduate has just won the 2025 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand.

As a much-heralded Red Bull Junior driver, Lindblad has been racing ‘down under’ primarily to gain the additional FIA Super Licence points needed on his fast track into Formula 1.

The young Briton had already amassed 30 of the 40 points required from his various successes in F4 and Formula 3 series. Now the additional 15 points bagged in New Zealand mean he has reached the threshold and could, in theory, join the GP grid just as soon as an opportunity presents itself.

Lindblad arrived at the picturesque Highlands Motorsport Park for last weekend’s season finale with a healthy points lead and clinched the title with a solid second place in the first of the weekend’s three concluding races.

“What an incredible ride! Proud to be crowned FR Oceania Champion,” enthused the delighted teenage talent after taking his first single-seater series title. “A huge shout-out to my team and everyone who’s been part of this journey. What an amazing few weeks in NZ – such a stunning place.”

Having impressed last season in his very first FIA Formula 3 Championship campaign, finishing fourth with four race wins – including both his home rounds at Silverstone – Red Bull has promoted its latest rising star to FIA Formula 2 with Campos Racing in 2025.

Understandably Lindblad is relishing the opportunity to be stepping up onto the final rung of the ladder towards F1. “It’s going to be a big challenge but I’m super excited,” admitted Arvid. “Two years ago, I was racing in the karting world championships, so the rate at which I have been able to come through is a testament to Red Bull and everyone around me who has helped and supported me on this journey.”

The talented teenager’s meteoric career will restart in Melbourne when the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship blasts off over the Australian Grand Prix weekend on 14-16 March.