Liam Lawson has revealed concerns over the pace of Racing Bulls despite points finishes in the opening three races of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
A year is a long time in F1, when fortunes and spectacularly reverse, for better or to the detriment of a driver’s career.
In the case of Lawson, his outlook is far more positive, a year on from being demoted by Red Bull back down to Racing Bulls,
The New Zealander is enjoying a competitive start to 2026, scoring points in the opening two races, with rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad scoring on debut.
But Lawson has urged caution on reading into the team’s results, believing Racing Bulls still lack overall speed.
“I think, to be honest, we haven’t actually been that fast, but still managed to come away with three points finishes,” he said to media, including Motorsport Week in Japan.
“So I think it’s when we get a really quick car, we’ll obviously be in a much better place. And if we keep making the decisions we’re making, I think it’s quite exciting.”
Liam Lawson happy with extended break
With F1 now on an extended break from racing until Miami, Lawson is hoping the team can make inroads into the midfield.
The team currently sits seventh in the standings, just two points behind parent Red Bull.
“I think so,” he said in China when asked if the break would benefit the team. “Obviously, it means we have more time.
“We have some stuff that we want to bring, hopefully in the next few races, and it gives us time to prepare that.
“Also on the reliability side as well, for a lot of teams, to make sure we’re in a great position.”
Lawson’s caution is far from surprising, given his extreme experience of the sport in 2025.
But now very much back in form, and with rookie teammate Lindblad making waves on circuit, 2026 has the potential for Racing Bulls star in F1’s growing midfield battle.
Discussion about this post