Liam Lawson highlights 'inconsistent' behavior of new Racing Bulls F1 car

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson has identified an "inconsistent" nature in the team's new 2026 Formula 1 car following pre-season testing in Bahrain, though he reports no single major flaw. The New Zealander emphasized the team is experimenting with various setups to find a solution before the season opener in Melbourne, which he expects will present a very different challenge.

Why it matters:

For a team like Racing Bulls, aiming to solidify its position in the competitive midfield, a predictable and stable car platform is essential for scoring consistent points. Early-season reliability and driver confidence are critical, and addressing these inconsistencies quickly could be the difference between a strong start and playing catch-up.

The details:

• Lawson described the car's on-track behavior, particularly in certain phases, as inconsistent after completing his testing program.
• He clarified that no single, standout issue or major limitation has been identified, suggesting the problems are more about fine-tuning than fundamental flaws.
• The team is actively trying "a lot of different things" with the car's setup, with mixed results so far.
• Lawson noted that specific areas like braking and corner entry felt "not too bad" on the final day of running, indicating some progress is being made.

What's next:

All focus now shifts to the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Lawson has already flagged that the circuit's unique characteristics will make it "very, very different" from the Bahrain test track, providing a true test of whether the team's winter development and setup work have successfully tamed the car's inconsistencies. The performance there will set the early tone for Racing Bulls' 2026 campaign.