Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson has opened up on Formula 1‘s new regulations and the several close calls drivers have had with energy deployment.
2026 sees a new era of F1, as the sport switches to a more defined hybrid era, qlongside these sweeping changes came new learning for drivers and teams across the grid.
Just two races into the season, it is clear that many are not overly fond of the changes, with drivers like Max Verstappen drawing comparisons to Formula E, but on ‘steroids.’
Lawson became the latest driver to speak up on the groundbreaking changes, the Kiwi driver emphasising that during the races, it is nearly impossible to avoid hitting the car in front if they are recharging whilst in straight-line mode.
The new regulations put drivers in control of energy harvesting and deployment throughout their laps.
Unlike its predecessor, DRS, there are no set zones, allowing drivers the freedom to recharge and deploy battery power wherever they want.
In turn, this has created a significant speed difference between some cars throughout the lap.
Lawson highlighted that most teams, including Racing Bulls, continue to make their own decisions regarding battery deployment and charging. however, it becomes challenging during a race.
Liam Lawson calls for FIA intervention
The difference in speed on track can sometimes leave drivers with a limited opportunity to react, resulting in a collision. Whilst this is yet to happen this season, Lawson warns that avoiding contact is incredibly difficult and extremely dangerous.
Despite this, Lawson believes teams will continue to do their own thing until the FIA steps in.
“I mean, at the moment, it’s sort of very inconsistent,” Lawson highlighted
“We’re doing lot. We obviously make our own decisions on when we charge and deploy, and it’s quite different between teams and engines.
“So, yeah, it obviously depends on what the FIA decide to do. But right now, there are a lot of differences that we have to be quite careful of. Because you can be having quite a good run on a car, and all of a sudden they start charging, and you’re right behind them with SLM open.
It’s not a lot you can do to avoid them.”
Lawson’s gripe with the new cars is yet another driver adding their name to the growing list on the grid that are unhappy with the new technical regulations. The drivers will be waiting for the data gathered by the FIA and the next steps as F1’s most political issue continues to divide the grid.
READ MORE – Racing Bulls reveal stunning one-off livery for F1 Japanese GP
Discussion about this post