Liam Lawson Downplays 'Senior' Role Amid Racing Bulls' 2026 Reset

Liam Lawson is set to become Racing Bulls' 'senior' driver in 2026, but the New Zealander is quick to downplay the label, pointing out his own relative inexperience in Formula 1. With a rookie teammate incoming and a massive regulation reset on the horizon, Lawson views the upcoming season as another major learning curve for himself, not just a chance to lead.

Why it matters:

In a sport where experience is paramount, especially during a period of massive technical change, the dynamic at Racing Bulls will be crucial. Lawson's ability to balance his own development with guiding a newcomer like Arvid Lindblad could significantly impact the team's performance and adaptation to the all-new 2026 machines.

The details:

• Lawson emphasized that despite entering his third F1 season in 2025, he has only completed one full campaign on the grid, making the 'senior' tag feel premature.
• He will be paired with British teenager Arvid Lindblad, a highly-rated prospect from the Red Bull junior program who will be making his F1 debut.
• The 2026 season features a complete overhaul of technical regulations, including new power units developed in partnership with Ford, effectively leveling the playing field.
  • This reset is expected to require a 'very different driving style', meaning Lawson's limited experience will be only a partial advantage as all drivers adapt to the new machinery from scratch.
• Lawson acknowledged that while the team might lean on him for feedback, he still sees himself as having "a lot of years to learn" and is focused on applying lessons from his first full season.

What's next:

Lawson faces a compressed off-season as the team prepares for the new era.

• After a brief stop in New Zealand to see family, he will be back at work in early January to prepare for the new car.
• Racing Bulls' 2026 challenger is set to be unveiled at a joint launch event with Ford in Detroit on January 15th.
• His immediate focus will be on mastering the new car's characteristics and establishing a strong working relationship with Lindblad to ensure the team can hit the ground running when pre-season testing begins.