Liam Lawson 'curious' about Racing Bulls' true pace after Barcelona test

Liam Lawson completed over 150 laps in the new Racing Bulls car during its Barcelona shakedown but says the team's true competitive position remains a mystery. With testing moving to the abrasive and demanding Bahrain circuit in February, the driver is eager to see how the radically different 2026-spec car performs in more representative conditions.

Why it matters:

The first pre-season test is always a crucial data-gathering exercise, but this year's new technical regulations make the learning curve even steeper. Lawson's comments highlight the universal challenge teams face in understanding their new cars while having zero reference for their rivals' progress, setting the stage for a potentially unpredictable start to the season.

The details:

• Lawson drove the RBPT-powered car for a day-and-a-half in cold Barcelona conditions, following a wet filming day at Imola, accumulating crucial initial mileage.
• He described the 2026 car as "very different to drive," citing less downforce, more car movement, and a completely new system for managing the powerful battery deployment.
• The team focused on reliability and system checks, with Lawson noting they ended the test in a "much better place" than they started.
• The shift to Bahrain on February 11th presents a stark new challenge, as the Sakhir circuit's abrasive surface and heavy traction zones are notoriously tough on tires and will test the car's performance in a very different way.

What's next:

All eyes now turn to the official pre-season test in Bahrain, which will provide the first true comparative benchmark. Lawson and Racing Bulls will continue their data collection, but the driver admits the competitive order will likely "stay quite unknown for a while." The team's immediate goal is to use the remaining time to improve and arrive at the season opener in Melbourne in the "best shape possible."