Liam Lawson calls out 'sketchy' dangers of 2026 F1 cars

Liam Lawson has publicly criticized the 'sketchy' feeling of racing the new 2026 Formula 1 cars, particularly in high-speed corners where the active aerodynamics system significantly reduces downforce. The AlphaTauri driver highlighted the complex and potentially dangerous challenges drivers are facing with the new technical regulations, which also create large speed differentials on straights that complicate racing and overtaking.

Why it matters:

The frank admission from a current driver underscores significant teething problems with F1's latest technical revolution. If the cars feel unpredictable or dangerous in certain conditions, it could compromise the quality of racing and driver safety, forcing the FIA and teams to seek urgent solutions before the issues become ingrained in the new era.

The details:

• The core issue is the activation of 'Straight Mode' for the active front and rear wings, which cuts downforce to reduce drag on straights.
• This mode was activated between Turns 8 and 9 at Albert Park, a flat-out but sweeping section, making the cars feel unstable and 'sketchy'.
• Drivers have also raised major concerns about race starts, where a slow getaway by one car amid a pack could trigger a large accident.
• Lawson pointed out the added complexity of managing energy deployment and harvesting around the lap, which creates unpredictable speed differences between cars at the end of straights.
• He emphasized that these are not simple fixes, stating, "There's a lot of stuff that we're learning" and that it's a universal challenge for all drivers.

What's next:

The feedback from Lawson and other drivers will put pressure on the FIA and the technical working groups to review the implementation of the active aerodynamics rules. Expect ongoing discussions between the stakeholders to find a balance between the intended efficiency gains of the 2026 rules and the fundamental need for stable, predictable, and safe racing cars. The coming races will serve as a critical proving ground for these new systems.