Liam Lawson, racing for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, completed 50 laps during the morning session of the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain, acknowledging some setbacks experienced by the team. The 24-year-old driver faced challenges adapting to the new car, which reflects major regulation changes for the upcoming season, including a switch to smaller, lighter vehicles and increased electric power usage.
Focus on Data Collection in Session Featuring Aero Rack
Lawson’s running was primarily focused on gathering crucial aerodynamic data, with an aero rack attached ahead of the rear wing to study airflow patterns. This information will assist engineers in optimizing the front wing configuration and informing future car development. Despite these efforts, his fastest lap time was 3.7 seconds slower than session leader Charles Leclerc, who dominated the morning in his Ferrari.
Driver Reflections on Adapting to New Car Dynamics
Lawson described the new driving experience as “very new” and “very different,” emphasizing the increased sensitivity of the cars and the need for heightened awareness behind the wheel. He admitted,
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We had a few little issues today that stopped a bit of running so early days. We’re learning as fast as we can, it’s obviously all very new,
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indicating a learning curve ahead. He added,
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It is definitely something I haven’t mastered yet so we’ll spend the next few weeks trying to be as prepared for Melbourne as we can.
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Preparation Continues with Upcoming Test Sessions
Looking ahead, Lawson plans to maximize his time on the track, especially during a full day of running scheduled for Friday and another test session later in Bahrain next week. He advised patience with minor disruptions, saying,
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Coming into the test we know to try not to be frustrated when we have these small things that stop runs, but the main thing is to try and put the car in a good place today and we have tomorrow to learn a lot more.
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He anticipates that next week will focus more heavily on performance:
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Next week is probably when we spend a lot more time on performance rather than anything else.
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Team and Session Overview
Lawson’s teammate, Arvid Lindblad, drove during the afternoon session, completing 82 laps and posting a slightly quicker time than Lawson. Charles Leclerc set the pace overall with 139 laps, finishing ahead of world champion Lando Norris in the McLaren and Oliver Bearman in the Haas. Notably, seven prominent drivers, including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Oscar Piastri, did not participate in this day’s testing.
Implications for the 2026 Season
With significant technical changes influencing car design and driving style in 2026, Lawson’s ongoing work during these tests is critical for his adaptation and the Racing Bulls’ performance. The data collected now will shape upgrades and strategic decisions leading into the season opener in Melbourne. As Lawson and his team deepen their understanding and improve their setup, these efforts could enhance competitiveness in a vastly changed Formula 1 landscape.
