Liam Lawson issues hint over F1 2026 car: 'Very, very different'

Liam Lawson has shared his first thoughts on what F1 fans should expect this year as the cars undergo a considerable change.

The regulations have received a major shake-up this year, with the aerodynamics and power units being completely revamped.

Racing Bulls will launch their livery later this week at an event in Detroit before the car gets its on-track debut in Barcelona at the end of the month.

Based on his initial experience with the car in the simulator, Lawson is expecting a dramatic shift from what the drivers are currently used to.

“It’s going to be different,” Lawson said.

“I actually haven’t driven the car in person yet, I go back and we have the car launch later in the week.

“We have some testing coming up, a lot more testing this year with the new regulations.

“So far it’s just simulator work that I’ve done, it’s very, very different.

“Without sharing too much, it’s going to be a very different spectacle for fans to watch. Hopefully it’s good, and hopefully we have a fast car.”

Lawson enters the upcoming season after aiding Racing Bulls to sixth in the constructors' championship in 2025.

As he seeks to take a further step up the pecking order, the New Zealander is also hoping to use the regulations reset as an chance to grow as a driver.

“It’s an opportunity, when you have a regulation change like this, it creates a window for the drivers to put a little more effort in or have that opportunity to develop a car,” he said.

“I came into F1 at the very end of a regulation when the cars were fully developed. You’re driving what the car is, but it’s going to be a lot more open.

“Hopefully it’s an opportunity to help that development.”