Arvid Lindblad unveils Indian-inspired Diwali helmet ahead of São Paulo Grand Prix on November 8
Arvid Lindblad, the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls driver, has unveiled a special Indian-inspired Diwali helmet ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, with the festival falling on race day, Sunday, November 8. The helmet is intended as a personal celebration of his Indian heritage and family traditions.
Diwali, described in the release as the "Festival of Lights," is called India’s most significant and widely celebrated festival and holds a special place in Lindblad’s life. The team stated Lindblad celebrated Diwali from a young age with his maternal grandparents, Nani and Nana, and the helmet brings those family traditions onto the Formula One stage.
Arvid Lindblad, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Driver, said, "Celebrating Diwali with my family, especially my Nani and Nana, has always been a very important part of my upbringing. Bringing this special helmet to life is a meaningful moment, as it celebrates my Indian heritage and family roots that are such an important part of who I am."
Lindblad was closely involved in the creative process, saying he wanted a design that felt contemporary while remaining true to Diwali’s meaning and traditions. The team release says the design incorporates rangoli, the lotus flower, diyas and fireworks to create a personal visual language. The helmet draws on rangoli patterns Lindblad has created over the past few years, including one he made during last year’s Diwali.
The release describes the helmet’s top as carrying an intricate rangoli pattern that forms the foundation of the overall design, with motifs flowing down the sides. A diya is subtly integrated into the design, while the front and rear feature a lotus and traditional fireworks. The lotus is described as symbolising purity, resilience and the ability to rise above adversity, and the release says this resonates with Lindblad’s belief that "your circumstances do not define you and that, through determination and hard work, you have the power to shape your own path."
The helmet’s base uses a Phulkari-inspired pattern as a tribute to Lindblad’s Nani and her Punjabi heritage. Visa Cash App Racing Bulls is supporting the initiative by bringing the spirit of Diwali to Lindblad’s side of the garage: a dedicated "Happy Diwali" sticker will appear on the halo, the garage floor will feature an intricate rangoli pattern with a lotus and diya positioned above his surname, and the panels behind the car will carry complementary rangoli-inspired designs.
The São Paulo Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, November 8, when Lindblad will wear the helmet in Brazil; he said, "I can’t wait to get back in the car in Brazil wearing this helmet. I know it will be an emotional moment, and I hope the helmet helps share the spirit of Diwali with people celebrating around the world. Happy Diwali."