Racing Bulls Shakedown Halted as Rookie Lindblad Spins at Imola

Racing Bulls kicked off its on-track debut of the VCARB 03 at Imola, but the session was cut short when rookie Arvid Lindblad spun into the gravel trap. After Liam Lawson completed the installation lap in wet conditions, Lindblad lost control at the Variante Villeneuve chicane. While the Red Bull Ford-powered car appeared to escape significant damage, the incident brought the shakedown to an early stop, though the team expects to continue its running schedule.

Why it matters:

This shakedown marks the critical first real-world test of Racing Bulls' 2026 contender under the new regulations. With the team adopting a pushrod suspension layout and a fresh livery, initial systems checks are vital to validate the design concept. For rookie Lindblad, adapting to the car's behavior in tricky wet conditions is an immediate learning curve before the competitive season begins.

The details:

• The Incident: The spin occurred at the Villeneuve chicane while running on demonstration tires in wet weather. The car was recovered back to the garage without major issues, allowing the team to stay within its demo allowance.
• Car Specs: The VCARB 03 showcased its new livery and 2026 regulation-compliant design, featuring a distinctive airbox, narrow sidepod inlets, and pushrod suspension at both ends.
• Power Unit: The car ran with the new Red Bull Ford power unit, giving engineers early data on the engine's integration and performance.
• Schedule: Despite the spin, Racing Bulls will remain at Imola on Wednesday for a 200km filming day. Lawson and Lindblad are expected to complete up to 40 laps before heading to Barcelona for private testing on January 26–30.

What's next:

The team will look to maximize mileage during Wednesday's filming day to gather further data. All eyes will be on the pace and reliability when the VCARB 03 hits the track for the first proper private test in Barcelona next week.