Liam Lawson has confirmed that Racing Bulls is achieving significant progress during the Barcelona shakedown session ahead of the F1 2026 season, although similar advancements are evident among rival teams. Despite such gains with their VCARB 03 car, Lawson acknowledged that the overall pecking order remains uncertain, with the true performance hierarchy expected to stay unclear for some time under the new F1 regulations.
Extensive Running and Learning During Initial Testing
Over the course of Barcelona’s closed-doors shakedown, Lawson completed 88 laps on the first day, while his rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad logged 120 laps on the third day. Lawson returned for a final unofficial session, adding 64 laps in the morning to Racing Bulls’ testing efforts.
“We just keep learning. We’re making, obviously, big gains, but so is everybody else,”
Lawson told the official Formula 1 website.
He described the new cars as “very, very different” yet emphasized that Racing Bulls is in a better position than at the start of testing, highlighting an ongoing focus on understanding and improving their package. Lawson noted the team’s “pretty strong” run regarding reliability, which met expectations.
He also addressed the challenge of gauging competitors’ performance, stating it remains difficult to determine where others stand.
“But the main thing is, we’re getting the laps down that we want to and learning what we need to about our car.”
Looking Ahead to Bahrain with Continued Focus on Development
As Racing Bulls prepares for two official tests in Bahrain, Lawson outlined the team’s approach of steady progress and adaptation to different conditions. With the Bahrain track presenting distinct characteristics and a contrasting climate, the team expects valuable data to help refine their car’s performance across varied environments.
“But yeah, outside of that, honestly, the main goal is to just try and keep learning and improving the car and discovering what we can do.”
Lawson Leads Experienced Duo Alongside Rookie Lindblad
Within Red Bull’s junior program, Lawson currently acts as the experienced figure for the 2026 campaign, partnering with British teenager Arvid Lindblad, who has recently progressed from Formula 2. The duo’s collaboration during the Barcelona shakedown has been crucial to Racing Bulls’ efforts in developing their new car.
“So yeah, so far, it’s been good.”
Lawson highlighted the importance of clear communication and teamwork in navigating a season shaped by radically different car designs and performance demands.
Context of Testing in the Wider F1 Landscape
The Barcelona sessions have also drawn attention from other drivers and teams preparing for 2026. Notable figures like Lando Norris have discussed key changes influencing car performance, while Mercedes has reported strong reliability with their W17 model during testing. These developments contribute to the broader anticipation around how the new-generation cars will compete once the season officially begins.
Lawson’s remarks underscore the intensive learning process underway within Racing Bulls and across Formula 1, as teams strive to adapt to fresh technical rules while managing uncertainties about their competitors’ true capabilities. Their progress during this early phase could set a foundation for subsequent improvements and strategic decisions as the season approaches.
