Liam Lawson downplays Racing Bulls' pace despite strong points start

Liam Lawson believes Racing Bulls "haven't actually been that fast" despite securing points in all three opening rounds of the 2026 F1 season. The driver finds it "exciting" to consider the team's potential once they develop their VCARB 03, suggesting their current results stem from strong execution rather than outright car speed.

Why it matters:

In a tightly packed midfield, consistently scoring points with a car that isn't considered fast is a significant achievement. It highlights the team's operational strength and driver performance, setting a high baseline for when car performance improves. This dynamic could disrupt the expected competitive order if Racing Bulls successfully unlocks more pace.

The details:

• Lawson's assessment comes after finishing 7th in China and 9th in Japan, with teammate Arvid Lindblad also scoring points on his debut in Melbourne.
• The team has accumulated 14 points, placing them 7th in the early Constructors' Championship standings.
• Lawson emphasizes that the team's decision-making and race execution have been key to their points haul, implying they are maximizing their current package's potential.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the impromptu April break, which Lawson confirms will be crucial for development.

• The team plans to bring upgrades for the upcoming races, and the extra time allows for better preparation and reliability work.
• With no development restrictions during this break, Racing Bulls can aggressively work to transform their consistent points-scoring car into a genuinely fast one, with the Miami Grand Prix marking the next test for their progress.