Racing Bulls to Shake Down 2026 Car at Imola This Week

Racing Bulls is heading to Imola for a two-day shakedown of its new VCARB03, marking the team's first on-track action with the 2026 challenger. Following the joint livery launch in Detroit, the Faenza-based squad will utilize regulatory allowances to log early kilometers with drivers Liam Lawson and Arvin Lindblad.

Why it matters:

With the new regulations shaking up the grid, every kilometer of data is invaluable before the season starts. These early runs allow the team to verify fundamental systems and shake off the winter rust, minimizing the risk of losing critical track time to mechanical gremlins during the official pre-season test later this month.

The details:

• Tuesday (Demonstration Event): The team will use a 'demonstration event' slot, which regulations define as strictly for marketing or demonstration purposes. This allows a maximum of only 15 kilometers of running.
• Wednesday (Filming Day): Racing Bulls will deploy one of its two permitted filming days, allowing for up to 200 kilometers of track time—double the previous limit following a recent regulatory change.
• Driver Lineup: Both Lawson and rookie Lindblad are expected to share driving duties across the two days to maximize feedback and seat time.
• Tires: As per standard procedure, Pirelli will supply specific demonstration compounds for the running.

What's next:

While stablemate Red Bull Racing waits for official testing to debut their car, Racing Bulls is gaining an early operational edge. Team boss Alan Permane anticipates a frenetic development cycle, suggesting the car tested in Barcelona will differ significantly from the one raced in Melbourne.

• Official pre-season testing kicks off in Barcelona from January 26-30.