Lawson surprised by physical demands of 2026 F1 car

Liam Lawson has revealed that Formula 1's next-generation 2026 car is not as physically easy to drive as he initially expected, despite being slower and subject to lower G-forces. The AlphaTauri reserve driver explained that while cornering speeds are reduced, drivers spend significantly more time in each corner, maintaining a high strain on the neck. This creates a "very, very new style of driving" that doesn't closely relate to any current racing formula, including F2.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations aim to create smaller, lighter, and more sustainable cars, but driver feedback on their real-world handling characteristics is crucial. Lawson's experience suggests that the new cars could present a unique physical and technical challenge, potentially widening the gap for young drivers transitioning from junior categories and reshaping what is required from a modern F1 driver.

The details:

• A Surprising Assessment: After driving the simulator model, Lawson admitted he was wrong in assuming the slower cars would be easier to handle. "I was expecting it to be a lot easier, but it is actually not that different," he stated.
• The Core Challenge: The reduced speed means cars are in corners for a longer duration. "Even though you're slower through the corners, you spend more time in the corners," Lawson explained, noting the sustained neck load.
• A New Driving Style: He emphasized the car's uniqueness, calling it "unlike anything I've ever driven" and noting the techniques do not relate closely to other series.
• Impact on the Ladder: The 2026 car's idiosyncrasies may further separate F1 from Formula 2. Lawson pointed out that the gap was "always too big," and the new car's different driving style means F2 now relates "even less" as a preparatory series.
• Regulation Context: The 2026 cars will be narrower and lighter, with a greater focus on energy recovery. Drivers will need to harvest significant energy before long straights, which also contributes to the altered speed profile and driving rhythm.

What's next:

As teams continue to develop their 2026 concepts in simulation, more driver feedback will emerge, shaping the final evolution of the regulations and car designs. Lawson's early insights highlight that raw speed is just one factor; the new era will demand a different kind of athletic and technical adaptation from drivers, which could influence training regimes and talent development pathways for years to come.