Formula 1: Liam Lawson content with new car’s speed after first day in Melbourne

By Alex Powell in Melbourne

Liam Lawson is content with his first day’s efforts at Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix, after securing a 13th-placed finish in each practice session.

In the weeks before the 2026 season opener, much focus has been on how the 22 drivers would fare in new cars, designed and built after a radical change in regulations.

Earlier this week, Lawson told the Herald about his anxiety over how Racing Bulls’ VCARB03 would fare. In Friday practice, though, questions over the car’s capabilities were largely answered.

While Lawson was outside the top 10, rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad finished fifth and then eighth across the two sessions in a sign Racing Bulls may be able to match their sixth-place finish in last year’s constructors’ championship – the best result in the team’s history.

Admittedly, Racing Bulls have not indicated what Lawson practised on Friday, with different tyres, fuel loads and aerodynamic setups available to its two drivers.

But speaking after free practice two, the Kiwi said the team’s work over the off-season has, for the most part, started to pay off.

“We had a decent day,” said Lawson. “We pretty much completed our run plan and overall I feel happy. The speed’s not too bad as well, especially for day one.

“Of course, we’re trying to improve as much as we can. But to come here with a decent car [developed] from online simulations and limited running is pretty good.

“I’m pretty happy, there’s still a lot to work on for the rest of the weekend, but a good start.”

On the other side of the garage, Lindblad should be more than happy with his day’s work. At 18, the Brit is the youngest driver on this year’s grid and the only rookie.

And yet, across two sessions, he beat his teammate, previous race winners and world champions.

Naturally, Lawson would be within his rights to be upset at losing ground on a junior teammate, especially after the same thing happened last year, and led to him being overlooked for Isack Hadjar when promotion to Red Bull’s senior side was needed.

However, with Racing Bulls still learning about the capabilities and limitations of their new car, Lawson said Lindblad’s efforts on the first day in Melbourne would help both drivers before qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix.

“It’s been a good day for the team, Arvid had a pretty strong day as well,” he said.

“It’s great for us going into tomorrow, with what looks like a pretty strong package that’s had both of us working on it together.

“It’s promising so far.”

Qualifying begins at 6pm (NZT) on Saturday.

Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.