Liam Lawson Highlights Energy Management as Key Challenge of F1’s 2026 Regulations

With sweeping new regulations set to reshape Formula 1 in 2026, Liam Lawson has outlined what he believes will be the biggest challenge facing drivers when the new era begins.

Speaking at the launch of Racing Bulls’ 2026 challenger in Detroit, the New Zealander highlighted energy management as the key unknown under the new power unit rules. Red Bull also unveiled its own 2026 car at the event, marking the first public reveal of machines built to the new regulations.

“I think energy management is going to be the biggest difference with the new engines in 2026,”

Lawson stated.

“It’s going to be very different to drive, and there’s potential for us to have much more control over how and when we use power. That’s probably the biggest question mark the power unit.”

Racing Bulls’ 2026 car will be powered by Red Bull Ford power units, and its updated livery features blue accents added to the team’s traditional white colour scheme to reflect the partnership with the American manufacturer.

As two of the first teams to unveil their 2026 designs, Red Bull and Racing Bulls are already turning their attention to on-track preparation. Lawson stressed the importance of the upcoming shakedown tests at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, scheduled to take place between January 26 and January 30.

“These sessions are massively important,” Lawson said. “We need to make the most of every day. We’ll go into the following week off with as much knowledge as possible because a lot of our initial setup work will be based on that first test in Barcelona.

“We’ll be dealing with very different conditions when we go from Barcelona to Bahrain, but that first running is going to be really, really important for us.”

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