Liam Lawson Makes Debut in Racing Bulls’ New F1 Car During Testing

Liam Lawson has officially taken his first drive in the new Racing Bulls Formula One car during testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This marks a significant moment for the Kiwi driver as he participated in both sessions of the opening day of the F1 Shakedown on March 15, 2024.

During the morning session, Lawson performed steadily, sharing the track with notable competitors such as Gabriel Bortoleto in the Audi and Valtteri Bottas, who was behind the wheel of the new 2026 entrant, Cadillac. This initial experience allowed Lawson to familiarize himself with the car’s handling and performance ahead of the upcoming season.

As the afternoon session commenced, Lawson returned to the track alongside 2024 rival Sergio Perez, who replaced Bottas in the Cadillac. Both drivers pushed their cars to the limits, showcasing their skills in a competitive environment. Additionally, Franco Colapinto from Alpine also tested during both sessions, adding to the day’s excitement.

Esteban Ocon, driving for Haas, gained valuable time in the new car, while Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell each had their own session to assess the performance of their vehicles. Although the testing remains private and times are not publicly available, reports indicate that Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was the fastest driver of the day.

The testing sessions at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya provide teams with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their cars ahead of the 2026 Formula One season. With Lawson’s debut driving for Racing Bulls, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how the team develops as the season approaches.