Indian-origin Formula 1 driver Arvid Lindblad has praised teenage cricket star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and spoken about his conversations with India captain Shubman Gill. The Racing Bulls driver met Gill at Silverstone during the 2026 Formula One season and also attended India's cricket match against England earlier this year.
Lindblad described Gill as “really nice”. He said they spoke about the differences between Formula 1 and cricket and how athletes can learn from each other despite competing in different sports.
In an interview with NDTV, the 19-year-old was asked whether he had discussed the demands of competing at the highest level with Gill.
“We spoke briefly about the differences between our sports and some of the ways he manages things," Lindblad said.
He added that athletes could learn from each other, even when they compete in different sports.
“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 spoke about the rise of teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He praised the youngster for performing on a big stage at such a young age.
“He's obviously very impressive. It's amazing to see someone so young performing on such a big stage," Lindblad said.
When asked why young athletes across different sports were making their mark so early, Lindblad pointed to improvements 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.
Praising Sooryavanshi's achievements, Lindblad said: “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,” he said.
Lindblad described Gill as “really nice”. He said they spoke about the differences between Formula 1 and cricket and how athletes can learn from each other despite competing in different sports.
Lindblad On His Conversation With Gill
In an interview with NDTV, the 19-year-old was asked whether he had discussed the demands of competing at the highest level with Gill.
“We spoke briefly about the differences between our sports and some of the ways he manages things," Lindblad said.
He added that athletes could learn from each other, even when they compete in different sports.
“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.”
'He's Obviously Very Impressive': Lindblad On Sooryavanshi
Lindblad also spoke about the rise of teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He praised the youngster for performing on a big stage at such a young age.
“He's obviously very impressive. It's amazing to see someone so young performing on such a big stage," Lindblad said.
When asked why young athletes across different sports were making their mark so early, Lindblad pointed to improvements 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.
Praising Sooryavanshi's achievements, Lindblad said: “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,” he said.