Liam Lawson hails 'quite amazing' Racing Bulls transformation since Barcelona test

Liam Lawson says the transformation of the Racing Bulls car from the Barcelona pre-season test to its current form has been "quite amazing," as the team cements itself as a regular points contender in the 2026 midfield fight. The New Zealander credited an early start to development and methodical preparation for the turnaround, which has lifted the Faenza squad to sixth in the constructors' standings, just one point shy of Alpine.

Why it matters:

Racing Bulls' rapid rise is reshaping the competitive order at the start of F1's new regulation cycle. As Red Bull's sister team, its ability to consistently score points and develop its package effectively not only validates its internal processes but also strengthens the wider Red Bull organization at a time when every point counts in the tightly packed midfield.

The details:

• Lawson described the difference between the car at the season-opening Barcelona test and the current machine as stark, calling the progress "quite amazing" after experiencing it firsthand during the race weekend.
• The team has finished in the points at every race except the Miami Grand Prix, a run that has propelled it to sixth in the constructors' championship.
• Early Development: Work on the 2026 challenger began last year, with Lawson revealing the squad spent significant extra time at Faenza in January refining the package before the season started.
• Simulator Work: Lawson pointed to standard but thorough procedures, including extensive simulator sessions, as key to unlocking performance rather than any single breakthrough.
• Personal Resurgence: The driver's return to form has closely tracked the team's upward curve since his turbulent 2025 stint with Red Bull ended in demotion back to the junior squad.

What's next:

With the development race intensifying across the midfield, Racing Bulls will need to maintain its early momentum to fend off Alpine and secure fifth in the standings. Lawson emphasized that continuing to execute clean race weekends while keeping the upgrade pipeline flowing will be critical if the team is to turn its promising start into a sustained championship position.