Lawson: Racing Bulls' 2026 F1 Prep to Intensify in New Year

Liam Lawson has confirmed that his and Racing Bulls' development work on its 2026 Formula 1 car will ramp up significantly in the new year, as the team has deliberately kept its primary focus on securing its 2025 Constructors' Championship position until now.

Why it matters:

With sweeping chassis and power unit regulation changes set for 2026, a team's preparation timeline is critical. Racing Bulls' strategy of prioritizing the current season's championship battle—and the crucial prize money that comes with it—over early 2026 development highlights the difficult balancing act midfield teams face. Lawson's confirmed seat for the new era also provides the team with valuable driver continuity during a period of major technical transition.

The details:

• The Faenza-based squad successfully secured sixth place in the 2025 Constructors' standings after a tight midfield fight, locking in valuable financial resources for its sister team, Red Bull.
• Lawson revealed that while some background work on the 2026 project has occurred, the in-season driver focus remained squarely on track performance for 2025.
  • "We can’t look at it too much until the season is done, because we have had such an important final few races," Lawson explained.
• His personal involvement so far has been limited to a few simulator days and data review sessions, with the main development burden carried by the engineering team.
• The New Zealander, who will be partnered by rookie Arvid Lindblad in 2026, expressed that having a secure seat well before the season starts is a novel and advantageous position.

What's next:

The intensive work on understanding and developing the 2026 car begins in earnest for Lawson and the team in early 2025.

• Lawson highlighted the benefit of entering the new regulatory cycle with the full preparation of pre-season testing, a luxury he hasn't had in his F1 career to date.
• This approach contrasts with teams like Aston Martin and Ferrari, who shifted development focus to 2026 much earlier in the 2025 season. Racing Bulls' late switch underscores its commitment to maximizing current-season results under Team Principal Laurent Mekies before tackling the future.