Racing Bulls chief hails Liam Lawson for behind-the-scenes change seen ahead of 2026 F1 season

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Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson goes into the upcoming Formula 1 as team leader after being joined by the sport’s only 2026 rookie: Arvid Lindblad.

Arvid Lindblad increases the number of British drivers on the grid to five, while Liam Lawson remains New Zealand’s only Formula 1 representative since Brendon Hartley.

Lawson doesn’t have the luxury that Lindblad or most of his F1 rivals enjoy, who can pop home between races, further highlighting his mental strength as he battles to remain on the grid.

Racing Bulls go into the 2026 campaign in an interesting position as they wait and see the progress Red Bull and Ford have made with their new power unit.

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It’s been years since the former Minardi team have got the better of their sister outfit, but a new regulation set this year offers Lawson and Lindblad a unique opportunity if their designers have found a loophole that others haven’t discovered.

Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has been speaking about the work both of his drivers are doing behind the scenes.

He’s spotted a change in Lawson and Lindblad since they were announced as Racing Bulls’ 2026 drivers that will give the team hope that better days are on the horizon.

READ MORE: All to know about Racing Bulls from team principal to Red Bull affiliation

Peter Bayer has noticed a ‘little less grumbling’ from Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls

Bayer was asked on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast about the feedback he’s received from Lawson and Lindblad from the simulator.

He explained: “Well, I think our two drivers are primarily happy that they get to drive in Formula 1!

“That means there’s a little less grumbling. And both of them have a really great attitude towards the subject.

“Basically, they’re trying to learn, and they’re working very hard. Of course, it’s complex, as we mentioned briefly before.

“On the one hand, the whole DRS thing has changed. You have straight-line mode and cornering mode, then you have this push-to-pass button that allows you to draw more energy when you’re within a second.

“And of course, you have to manage all that. You have to think, OK, do I use this boost button now, or do I maybe ease off a bit on the straight, recharge and then try to overtake on another back straight?

“So, we all assume that it will be super exciting, but the drivers will definitely be challenged because, at the same time, the regulations state that the driver must drive the car independently.

“That means we can’t programme it now, for example. We can only practise it.”

READ MORE: Who is Racing Bulls F1 driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know

Liam Lawson needs to continue his current trajectory to maintain his Formula 1 status

Before earning his seat on the grid this year, Lawson had to go head-to-head with Yuki Tsunoda, who had a tough time after replacing him at Red Bull.

Lawson ultimately impressed Red Bull enough behind the scenes to keep his seat, but Lindblad will represent another tricky challenge.

The 18-year-old has been promoted through the ranks extremely quickly, and that faith, alongside the changing regulations, levels the playing field for Lindblad.

Lawson’s contract expires at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

A return to Red Bull is extremely unlikely, so Lawson might need to impress another team in the paddock to continue his F1 journey.

Lawson has been told he needs to correct a worrying trend spotted last season, otherwise Red Bull’s roster of young drivers not on the grid, as well as Tsunoda, might be eyeing his seat.