Racing Bulls Completes First Shakedown of 2026 VCARB 03 at Imola

Racing Bulls debuted its 2026 contender, the VCARB 03, with a successful shakedown at Imola, marking the first public run of a car under the new regulations. Liam Lawson navigated the wet track for three laps, revealing a radical aerodynamic shift with narrow sidepods and a distinctive nose, while the team managed minor teething issues to complete the demonstration within F1's strict 15km limit.

Why it matters:

This initial run is a critical milestone for the Faenza-based squad as they adapt to the sweeping 2026 regulatory changes and integrate the new Red Bull Ford power unit. With the technical landscape shifting dramatically, early track time allows engineers to validate complex simulation data and ensure reliability before the grueling pre-season testing schedule begins in Barcelona later this month.

The details:

• Technical Observations: The VCARB 03 featured a trapezoidal airbox and a nose section that dives aggressively toward the front wing's main plane. The sidepod inlets were extremely narrow, aligning with the current design trend for the new regulations.
• Suspension Setup: The car utilized a pushrod layout for both front and rear suspensions, a configuration the team intends to carry over to the official Barcelona test.
• Driver Lineup: While Lawson handled the shakedown duties, rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad was present observing. The proximity of Imola to the team's Faenza base made it the ideal venue for this low-key debut.

What's next:

The action continues tomorrow with a 'Promotional Event' (filming day), allowing significantly more track time.

• The team can cover up to 200km, equating to roughly 40 laps, providing a much more substantial data set.
• Both Lawson and Lindblad are expected to share driving duties, maximizing seat time for the rookie ahead of the official test window.