![\"Lawson](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/XPB_1397622_HiRes.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiam Lawson is coming into 2026 with a cautious mindset. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiam Lawson is coming into 2026 with a cautious mindset. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The Kiwi enters the campaign alongside rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad, with both drivers tasked with helping develop the team\u2019s new package under the sport\u2019s revised regulations.<\/p>\n
Lawson explained that the biggest adjustment has been the way the car delivers power and manages energy, particularly under braking with the updated systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think probably just the driveability of the car. The way it feels. Everytime you drive a car, everything feels slightly different,\u201d he told Speedcafe.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo as much as the power is the same and you just take off a lot of downforce, the way that it\u2019s producing that power and the way that the car feels it\u2019s just completely different to what we\u2019re used to.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way that the battery is harvesting on braking. The way that feels is very different to the car last year. And the power delivery as well obviously with very different systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, yeah, it all feels very different.\u201d<\/p>\n
With limited testing completed in colder conditions in Barcelona and Bahrain, Lawson said the true picture will only become clear once the cars run in more representative race-weekend environments.<\/p>\n
Despite the uncertainty, he said he heads into the new season feeling positive after gaining a full year of Formula 1 experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more of a comforting feeling,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut at the same time with very new cars there\u2019s that unknown side to it, but that\u2019s something that\u2019s shared across the whole grid.<\/p>\n
\u201cPersonally it\u2019s a good feeling obviously having a year of experience as well in Formula 1 has been something that\u2019s very valuable.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would say I feel personally pretty good going into this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lawson also addressed the idea that he may take on greater leadership responsibility at Racing Bulls following the arrival of Lindblad.<\/p>\n
However, he rejected the suggestion that the dynamic places extra pressure on him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s probably a little bit, maybe of expectation, obviously having a season, but it\u2019s not probably viewed as you\u2019re saying it,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo obviously going into a season with new cars as well, we\u2019re very much having to work together on developing these cars and both play a very important role in that. So on a personal level, yes, I feel pretty good obviously having a season and learning being in Formula 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I would say we\u2019re both obviously going to be leaning on very hard to try and work together and build the fastest car we can.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old added that he does not dwell on questions about his long-term security in the sport, instead focusing on performance and the races ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean honestly I\u2019ve never really looked at it too much like that,\u201d Lawson said when asked how secure he feels as a driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s something that obviously I feel like I\u2019ve been in and around the sport for a long time. But it\u2019s not something that I think too much about and just focus on the races ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously this year with new cars it\u2019s really the only thing we\u2019ve been thinking and focusing about. I don\u2019t really think about that too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
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