Formula 1: Liam Lawson on hand as Racing Bulls, Red Bull reveal 2026 cars, new Ford engine

“It looks fast”.

That was Liam Lawson’s reaction as Racing Bulls unveiled its new car for the 2026 Formula One season, the VCARB03.

With the team fresh from finishing sixth in the constructors’ championship last year, the best result in its history, Lawson will be joined by 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad at Red Bull’s sister side.

With new regulations in place for how cars can be built this year, the most significant shake-up in Formula One’s recent history, Racing Bulls’ livery is strikingly similar to the VCARB02, with a few minor changes.

“I’m excited,” said Lawson. “It’s obviously going to be a very different season [with] new opportunities.

“Firstly, we need to see how fast the car is. It looks fast, so hopefully it’s fast on-track.

“It’s exciting, I’m looking forward to it.”

Lawson was retained by Racing Bulls after an up-and-down season in 2025.

Though the Kiwi was demoted by Red Bull after just two races, Lawson was able to rebuild, and sealed a 14th-place finish in the drivers’ championship, highlighted by a career-best fifth place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad unveil Racing Bulls' 2026 Formula One car, the VCARB03. Photo / Red Bull

Red Bull, with drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar – Lawson’s former teammate – were also on hand to unveil their team’s new car, the RB22, in their bid to win back the constructors’ championship title, lost in 2024 to McLaren, who retained the title last year.

The early focus of Red Bull’s launch revolved around both teams’ new power units, produced by American giant Ford.

Following the exit of Honda as engine supplier for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls at the end of 2025, Ford has been extensively working to develop the new power units.

This is the first time Red Bull has produced its own power unit, having also previously used Renault, Ferrari and Cosworth engines.

In tribute to Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died in 2022, the power unit has been named the DM01, and is in line with Formula One’s new regulations.

All 11 teams’ power units will be required to produce the same amount of power from the internal combustion engine and the energy recovery system, while making use of sustainable fuels.

The new regulations also include the removal of the drag reduction system, with a “push-to-pass” style of power boost to be used in its place.

The 2026 Formula One season begins in Melbourne on March 6, after pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 11 to 20.

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