{"id":522662,"date":"2026-03-06T14:37:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T14:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/522662\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T14:37:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T14:37:18","slug":"f1-news-lawson-encouraged-by-productive-melbourne-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/522662\/","title":{"rendered":"F1 news: Lawson encouraged by \u2018productive\u2019 Melbourne start"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Lawson
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiam Lawson left Albert Park on Friday encouraged by his performance. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n

The Kiwi completed his planned program across Friday\u2019s two sessions at Albert Park as the Faenza-based squad gathered valuable early data on its new 2026 car.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a very productive day today. We pretty much completed our run plan and overall I feel happy with our speed,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n

Lawson spent much of the day focused on longer runs and data gathering, finishing both practice sessions in 13th place as the team worked through its program.<\/p>\n

Despite limited real-world mileage heading into the season opener, Lawson said the car arrived in Melbourne in encouraging shape after much of its development had been carried out through simulations.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, we\u2019re trying to improve as much as we can, but to come to Australia with a strong car developed from simulations and limited running puts us in a promising position,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old also highlighted the increased complexity of the new generation of Formula 1 machinery, admitting there is significantly more for drivers to manage behind the wheel compared to previous seasons.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe analysing of these new cars feels much deeper and there\u2019s a lot we have to do behind the wheel this year compared to previous years, so we\u2019re continuously learning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Lawson added that rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad also made a positive contribution during his first Grand Prix weekend as a full-time Formula 1 driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cArvid has had a positive day today too, giving us really helpful data across both cars which we\u2019ve been working on,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuge thanks to the team who have done a brilliant job in producing a strong package and getting the car to where it is today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Team principal Alan Permane said it had been a smooth start to the weekend for Racing Bulls despite a minor issue that limited Lindblad\u2019s running early in the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a straightforward Friday for us and to be able to run a normal program with a brand new car has been good,\u201d Permane said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve still got work to do to improve the balance, but the car is responding well to changes and I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll make some more over night to assess in FP3.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lawson confident but cautious in new era<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n


\"\"\/
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