With the 2026 Formula 1 season on the horizon, rookie driver Liam Lawson is facing both personal challenges and significant regulatory changes as he gears up for his debut with Red Bull Racing. Having to navigate circuits largely unfamiliar to him, Lawson is counting on the expertise of his teammate Max Verstappen to guide him through this pivotal year of transformation.
"Yeah, I mean, I would say the car feels quite good so far and I'm getting more comfortable, but obviously you can always use more days, to be honest," Lawson shared enthusiastically after his initial outings with the RB21 during pre-season testing. With Verstappen concluding his own testing, Lawson prioritized learning the nuances of the tracks he’ll be racing on, stating, "Obviously, it's a new team and a new car, but the first couple of races, I've never been there, so it's going to be learning the tracks probably more than anything."
His transition to the Red Bull Racing team benefits from the experience he has amassed over the years, having spent significant time as their reserve driver. "Fortunately, I spent quite a few years just in the background with Red Bull. I spent more time with Red Bull as a reserve than I actually did with VCARB in those early years," Lawson explained, emphasizing how observing Verstappen and the team's operations has prepared him for this new role.
The F1 world is abuzz with anticipation as sweeping regulatory changes set to introduce entirely new cars will significantly alter race dynamics starting next season. To accommodate the scale of these changes, the sport has announced extended winter testing, allowing teams ample time to fine-tune their machines. Reports from Motorsport.com indicate Formula 1 aims to kick off the 2026 season as early as January with a five-day 'shakedown' session at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya.
This initial shakedown will occur behind closed doors—team members and contract staff only—allowing each team to choose which days they will take to the track. Following the Barcelona sessions, the teams will head to Bahrain, where they will engage in six full days of winter testing spread across two weeks, divided between the 12th and 14th and the 18th to the 20th of February 2026.
Bringing the teams back to Barcelona makes strategic sense. The circuit has historically been Formula 1's go-to testing location before the Bahrain International Circuit took the reins three years ago. "Barcelona is a logical choice for the shakedown... it makes it a lot easier for teams to bring new parts instead of to the Middle East," noted the Motorsport.com report, highlighting logistical efficiencies for European teams.
With each team poised to face new technical demands and car designs, Lawson's adaptability will play a significant role, especially as he and Verstappen share their findings and refine feedback mechanisms within the team. "I think on the feedback side, I mean, we're all meant to be professionals and meant to be sort of able to drive what we're being at the best, regardless of what the balance is," Lawson expressed, affirming his commitment to providing precise feedback about the car's performance.
Overall, as the sport ushers in new regulations and the promise of thrilling competition, Lawson seems ready to embrace the challenges of F1's ever-evolving environment. For teams and fans alike, the 2026 season is set to deliver excitement, innovations, and fresh storylines as rookies like Lawson step onto the global stage. This season holds the promise of not just intense racing, but also the potential for remarkable collaborations as new talents like Lawson learn from seasoned drivers and adapt to the shifting landscapes of Formula 1.