Bernie Collins has expressed admiration for the Racing Bulls car after observing the team closely in the pit lane during recent testing sessions. With the 2026 season approaching, Racing Bulls is preparing to field Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad as their youthful driver lineup, aiming to improve upon last year’s sixth-place finish in the constructors’ championship. The team faces challenges after losing Isack Hadjar to sister squad Red Bull, as Lawson joins the ranks as the only rookie replacing Hadjar.
Despite these transitions, the updated regulations for the new season offer all 11 teams in the paddock opportunities for advancement, and Racing Bulls appears positioned solidly in the midfield ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. While Lindblad has started making a positive impression within the team in preparation for his debut, Lawson’s role as the more experienced driver is under some scrutiny.
Collins remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, even with arguably the least experienced driver lineup this year.
Technical Excellence Highlighted in Racing Bulls’ 2026 Car Design
On The F1 Show, Collins highlighted Racing Bulls as an inviting environment for drivers to develop, especially with Lindblad about to debut in Australia. She remarked on the design and packaging of the new car, observed firsthand in Bahrain.
“Yeah, it does. And when you look at that car, I was in the pit for a little bit as well, in Bahrain, the car looks really nicely packaged,”
Collins said.
“So, you see it a few times with the engine cover off. The back of the car looks really nicely put together.”
She added that the vehicle appears stable and manageable on track, which is vital for rookie drivers getting accustomed to Formula 1’s demands. Reflecting on Lindblad’s status as the sole rookie on the grid, Collins noted that this dynamic might ease some pressure since comparisons among multiple rookies won’t dominate the season.
“So, at least he’s got that playing into his field. But he looked very confident through Bahrain. And anytime you see him in the paddock, he’s ready to step up.” – Bernie Collins, F1 Analyst
Challenges Faced by Lawson and Support from Verstappen for Lindblad
Reports from Bahrain indicate that Lawson has encountered difficulties adapting to the new cars, primarily due to the decreased rear grip, which has forced him to modify his driving style. This adaptation challenge contrasts with Lindblad’s steady preparation, which could give him an edge in internal team competition.
Lindblad has publicly acknowledged Max Verstappen for his guidance as he prepares to enter Formula 1. Verstappen’s wealth of racing knowledge represents a significant asset for the rookies, although converting that guidance into performance on track remains a complex challenge.
The team is targeting point-scoring finishes early in the season, with a particular focus on the competition between Lawson and Lindblad for top-10 placements, potentially making one of the tightest intra-team rivalries on the grid.
Outlook for Racing Bulls and Formula 1 Season Ahead
As the Australian Grand Prix draws near, Racing Bulls looks to leverage its updated car and promising driver lineup to advance its position in the constructors’ championship. The combination of Lawson’s experience and Lindblad’s raw confidence, alongside strong technical packaging of the car, creates a hopeful scenario for Racing Bulls as they navigate the new regulations.
How this dynamic will unfold throughout the season remains to be seen, but Racing Bulls is certainly a team to watch closely in the midfield battle, with the development of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad playing pivotal roles for their progress.
