Lawson upbeat after 'productive' first day with new Racing Bulls car

Liam Lawson and the Racing Bulls team completed a full run plan on the opening day of the Australian Grand Prix, gathering crucial data on their new 2026 car. Despite limited pre-season testing, the car performed reliably straight out of the box, with Lawson finishing both practice sessions in 13th place and expressing satisfaction with the car's initial speed and balance.

Why it matters:

A smooth and productive first day is critical for any team, but especially for Racing Bulls with a brand-new car built under the latest regulations. Successfully executing the planned program without major issues provides a solid foundation for the rest of the weekend and validates the team's off-season development work, which was heavily reliant on simulations.

The details:

• Plan Executed: The Faenza-based squad managed to complete its entire Friday run plan, focusing on longer runs and data collection across both cars.
• Simulation Validation: Lawson noted the car arrived in "encouraging shape," a positive sign given that much of its development was conducted via simulation due to limited real-world testing.
• Increased Complexity: The Kiwi driver highlighted the deeper analysis required for the new generation of cars, stating there is "a lot we have to do behind the wheel" compared to previous seasons.
• Team Contribution: Rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad, despite a minor issue limiting some early running, provided helpful data in his first full Grand Prix weekend.
• Team Feedback: Team Principal Alan Permane called it a "straightforward Friday," confirming the car is responding well to setup changes, though work remains to perfect the balance.

What's next:

The team will analyze the data overnight to make further adjustments ahead of final practice and qualifying. A clean Friday allows them to focus on performance gains rather than troubleshooting reliability, putting them in a stronger position to fight for points in Sunday's race. The immediate goal for Saturday will be to refine the car's balance and convert their promising start into a competitive grid position.