Liam Lawson: 2026 F1 Regulations Will Create a 'Very Different Spectacle'
15 January 2026GP BlogRumorDriver Ratings

Liam Lawson: 2026 F1 Regulations Will Create a 'Very Different Spectacle'

Liam Lawson predicts the 2026 regulations will drastically alter the racing spectacle, offering drivers a unique opportunity to shape new car development.

Liam Lawson predicts the 2026 Formula 1 season will offer a "very different spectacle" for fans, following his initial experiences in the simulator with the upcoming regulations. As Racing Bulls and Red Bull prepare to unveil their new machinery, the New Zealander views the massive technical reset as a rare chance for drivers to significantly influence car development from the ground up.

Why it matters:

The 2026 overhaul represents the most significant shift in F1's technical landscape in years, combining new power units with revised aerodynamic regulations. For a driver like Lawson, who arrived late in the previous cycle, this levels the playing field and allows him to help define the car's character from day one, rather than simply adapting to an established package.

The details:

  • Simulator Insights: Lawson noted that his time in the simulator suggests the driving experience will be unlike anything currently on the grid, hinting at drastic changes in handling and performance.
  • Driver Influence: Major regulation changes create a specific window where driver feedback becomes critical in setting up the car's baseline. Lawson sees this as an opportunity to put in "a little bit more effort" to shape the machine to his liking.
  • Teammate Dynamic: Lawson will partner with highly-rated rookie Arvid Lindblad. While Lawson brings a year of experience, he acknowledges that the new regulations mean both drivers will be learning the car simultaneously, blurring the traditional team leader hierarchy.
  • Mental Reset: The driver recently returned to New Zealand to recharge, describing the feeling of landing home after 10 months as a "very, very nice feeling" necessary to disconnect from the sport's relentless pressure.

Looking ahead:

With Racing Bulls and Red Bull set to reveal their 2026 challengers soon, all eyes will be on how these radical new concepts translate to the track. If Lawson’s impressions are accurate, the grid is poised for a fresh visual and competitive dynamic when the lights go out for the new season.