Liam Lawson Teases 'Completely Different' Spectacle for 2026 F1 Cars
Liam Lawson predicts the 2026 regulations will create a "completely different spectacle" for fans based on his simulator time with the new Racing Bulls machinery.
Liam Lawson predicts the 2026 Formula 1 regulations will deliver a "completely different spectacle" for fans, based on his early experience with the new cars in the simulator. The Racing Bulls driver suggests the upcoming rule reset will significantly alter the on-track action compared to the current generation of machinery.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season represents the most significant regulatory overhaul in years, introducing new power units, active aerodynamics, and revised energy management systems. Lawson's comments offer the first concrete insight from a current driver regarding how these changes translate to the driving experience, hinting at a potential shift in the racing dynamic that fans have been accustomed to.
The details:
- Simulator Insights: Despite not having driven the physical car yet, Lawson noted that the simulator data feels "completely different." He emphasized that the changes go beyond mere aesthetics, promising a new viewing experience for spectators.
- Technical Shifts: The new regulations feature a 50/50 split between internal combustion engine and electric power, alongside active aerodynamics designed to reduce drag and improve racing without losing downforce.
- Driver Influence: Lawson highlighted that major regulation changes allow drivers to have a greater impact on development. "You have more influence and can help develop the car in a certain direction," he explained, suggesting a closer collaboration between engineering and driving talent.
- Fresh Start: Lawson will partner rookie Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls in 2026. This pairing marks a reset for the team, with both drivers adapting to the new rules without the legacy data that established top teams might rely on.
What's next:
Fans won't have to wait long to see the physical manifestation of these changes. Racing Bulls is set to unveil its new 2026 challenger this Thursday, offering the first glimpse at how the team has interpreted the radical new regulations.