Liam Lawson Admits Challenge of Adapting to New F1 Regulations
Liam Lawson says the new 2026 F1 regulations are a massive change, admitting he hasn't fully grasped them yet after his first day testing in Barcelona. Despite the steep learning curve, he feels the new rules could allow drivers to make a bigger difference.
Liam Lawson admits the sheer scale of Formula 1's 2026 regulation changes is overwhelming, stating he hasn't "got my head around it" yet following his first day of testing in Barcelona. The Racing Bulls driver completed 88 laps but emphasized the steep learning curve associated with the new power units and the removal of DRS.
Why it matters:
The 2026 regulations represent a massive shift in technical philosophy, fundamentally changing how cars operate and how drivers extract performance. With the removal of DRS and the introduction of complex new power units, drivers' ability to adapt quickly could be a decisive factor in the early stages of the season.
The details:
- Lawson drove the entirety of the opening day for Racing Bulls, gathering crucial data despite causing a red flag as a safety precaution before lunch.
- Driver Influence: The New Zealander noted that the changes seem to increase the potential for drivers to make a difference, a shift he views positively compared to the previous spec.
- Technical Adjustment: The focus is currently on understanding the new systems and optimizing the car, with Lawson describing the feeling as "very, very different" compared to the previous regulations.
- Ongoing Process: Lawson acknowledged that it is "very early days" and that the team will continue learning over the next few days and weeks leading into Bahrain.
What's next:
The team will use the remaining days of the Barcelona test and the subsequent session in Bahrain to further understand the new package. The priority remains mastering the new operations before assessing the true competitive pace of the RB chassis and Red Bull Powertrains.