Arvid Lindblad to race Diwali helmet at Interlagos as Sao Paulo GP falls on Deepavali Sunday

Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad will mark Diwali at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with a specially designed helmet celebrating his Indian heritage. The festival of lights falls on Sunday, 8 November, the same day as the race at Interlagos, and for Malaysian fans the Grand Prix starts at 1am on Monday, 9 November, the Deepavali replacement public holiday in most states.

A design drawn from family tradition

The British driver, whose Indian roots come through his maternal grandparents, was closely involved in creating the design, the team said on Tuesday, 3 November. The artwork is built around rangoli patterns he has made at past Diwali celebrations, including one from last year, and runs across the top of the helmet and down its sides.

The design includes:

• Diyas, the traditional oil lamps that symbolise light and hope
• A lotus flower and festive fireworks on the front and rear
• A Phulkari-inspired pattern around the base, honouring his grandmother's Punjabi heritage

In the team's release, Lindblad said celebrating Diwali with his family, especially his Nani and Nana (maternal grandmother and grandfather), had always been an important part of his upbringing. He also said he wanted the helmet to feel modern while staying true to the traditions behind it.

Garage and car join the celebration

The tribute goes beyond the helmet. Racing Bulls will run a "Happy Diwali" sticker on the halo of Lindblad's VCARB 03, and his side of the garage will feature a rangoli pattern on the floor, with a lotus and diya placed above his surname, plus rangoli-inspired designs on the panels behind the car.

"I can't wait to get back in the car in Brazil wearing this helmet," Lindblad said.

Why it resonates in Malaysia

Lindblad's Indian heritage has already drawn interest from Indian communities outside the UK, and the timing gives the design extra reach in Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, Deepavali is a public holiday on Sunday 8 November in every state except Sarawak. Because it falls on a Sunday, Monday 9 November is a replacement holiday in most states, though not in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu or Sarawak.

That means many Malaysian F1 fans who stay up for the 1am Monday start will be watching on a day off, after a day of open houses and celebrations.

The weekend ahead

Brazil is the 20th of 23 rounds this season and a standard, non-sprint weekend. Lindblad, in his first full F1 season, heads to Interlagos after the Mexico City Grand Prix. In Malaysia time, first practice is at 11.30pm on Friday 6 November, qualifying at 2am on Sunday 8 November and the 71-lap race at 1am on Monday 9 November.

Key takeaways

• Arvid Lindblad will wear a Diwali-themed helmet at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on 8 November, Diwali itself.
• The design features rangoli patterns, diyas, a lotus and a Phulkari-inspired base honouring his Punjabi grandmother.
• Racing Bulls will add a "Happy Diwali" halo sticker and rangoli-inspired garage decorations.
• The race starts at 1am on Monday 9 November in Malaysia, the Deepavali replacement holiday in most states.

FAQ

Why is Arvid Lindblad wearing a Diwali helmet in Brazil? The Sao Paulo Grand Prix falls on 8 November, Diwali, and the design honours the celebrations he shared with his Indian maternal grandparents.

Is 9 November 2026 a public holiday in Malaysia? Yes, in most states. Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November, so Monday 9 November is a replacement holiday, except in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Sarawak.

What time is the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Malaysia? The race starts at 2pm local time on Sunday, which is 1am on Monday 9 November in Malaysia.

Sources: Grandprix.com, ANI, Yahoo Sports, PublicHolidays.com.my, The Rio Times