Liam Lawson Highlights Stark Differences Between Red Bull and Racing Bulls Machinery

Liam Lawson, the only driver to compete for two different teams this season, has described the disparity between the Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars as near-total. Despite the shared ownership structure and corporate synergy, Lawson notes that "pretty much everything" differs between the two machines, aside from the power unit.

Why it matters:

Lawson's unique experience provides a rare glimpse into the independent development paths of the two Red Bull-owned entities. His ability to jump between these vastly different platforms and consistently score points underscores his versatility, positioning him as a critical asset in a high-stakes market for 2027 seats.

The details:

• Operational Divergence: Lawson emphasizes that the cars are fundamentally different to drive, requiring significant mental and technical adjustments to adapt to each chassis' unique characteristics.
• Personalized Ergonomics: A key point of difference was the cockpit feel; Lawson specifically noted that the steering setup in his Racing Bulls car was more tailored to his personal preferences than the Red Bull equivalent.
• Combined Potential: In a revealing observation, Lawson suggested that if the specific strengths of both cars were merged into a single design, the resulting machine could potentially be the class of the field.
• Performance Track Record: Currently sitting 9th in the Drivers' standings, Lawson proved his adaptability by scoring points in two of his three substitute appearances for Red Bull while filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar.

What's next:

As the 2026 season reaches its final stages, Lawson's professional future remains undecided. With neither Red Bull nor Racing Bulls providing clarity on his status for 2027, his performance across both platforms serves as a high-profile audition for a permanent grid spot.