Racing Bulls’ Looking to Improve

Racing Bulls in 2026

Formerly known as Toro Rosso and AlphaTauri, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team enters its third season under the Racing Bulls banner, continuing its role as Red Bull’s junior outfit. While carving out its own identity both on and off the track, the team will be looking to hold its own in an increasingly competitive midfield.

Long regarded as a proving ground for emerging Red Bull talent, the team has played a pivotal role in developing drivers who have gone on to achieve success at the top end of Formula 1. Heading into 2026, Racing Bulls welcomes a new face following the departure of Isack Hadjar. One of the sport’s most highly rated rookies, Arvid Lindblad, will be tasked with hitting the ground running as he prepares for his Formula 1 debut in Melbourne.

The 2025 season marked a notable step forward for the team. Alongside regular points finishes, Racing Bulls secured a standout podium result, with Hadjar claiming third place at the Dutch Grand Prix. The season highlighted a dramatic improvement in the team’s ability to capitalise on opportunities, with VCARB ultimately finishing sixth in the Constructors’ Championship. While consistency remained an area for improvement, the podium served as a clear highlight in an otherwise tightly contested midfield campaign.

Looking ahead, 2026 represents a major turning point. Racing Bulls, alongside Red Bull Racing, will enter the new regulatory era powered by engines developed in partnership with Ford. The collaboration signals long-term ambition and technical commitment for both teams. With fresh regulations, a new power unit package, and leadership under Alan Permane, Racing Bulls has a genuine opportunity to build toward a more competitive future.

Liam Lawson

Lawson enters 2026 as the more experienced figure within the Racing Bulls lineup. Having spent several seasons in and around Formula 1 in a variety of roles, Lawson secured his second full season on the grid in 2026. Prior to 2025, the 24 year old featured predominantly in partial campaigns and stand-in appearances. On track, he impressed whenever called upon but lacked the stability of a full-time seat.

The 2025 season marked Lawson’s first complete Formula 1 campaign, though it was not without its challenges. After making the step back from Red Bull Racing to Racing Bulls, he faced a difficult period of readjustment and criticism. However, the second half of the season saw a noticeable uptick in form, with stronger performances and improved consistency as he grew into the role. The Kiwi driver secured a P3 in Qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing the race in fifth for his best career finish so far.

Lawson ultimately finished 14th in the Drivers’ Championship, with 38 points, a result that reflected both early struggles and late-season promise. Heading into 2026, he will assume the role of senior driver within the team, tasked with providing leadership, while continuing to develop and refine his own performance.

Arvid Lindblad

One of the most highly rated prospects to emerge from the Red Bull Junior Programme in recent years, Lindblad arrives in Formula 1 with significant momentum behind him. Known for his speed, composure, and maturity beyond his years, the young Brit has rapidly progressed through the junior categories. While he competes under a British licence, Lindblad’s Swedish and Indian heritage forms an important part of his identity, one he is proud to carry onto the world stage in Formula 1.

During the 2025 Formula 2 season, Lindblad continued to impress, achieving three race wins, two podiums, and finishing sixth in the championship standings. As the youngest race winner in F2 history, his performances showcased an aggressive yet controlled driving style. Alongside his rapid rise, Lindblad has also benefited from mentorship under Oliver Rowland. The current Formula E Champion helping guide his development as he prepares to race in the pinnacle of motorsport.

The 2026 season will mark Lindblad’s first full campaign at Formula 1 level, with expectations centred on development and adaptation rather than immediate results. At Racing Bulls, he will be given the environment to learn, with his long-term potential firmly positioning him as one of the most exciting rookies of this next generation.

Strong Testing for the Bulls

It was strong testing campaign for the Racing Bulls. After a closed door Barcelona Shakedown, VCARB looked to solidify their midfield position. While in Bahrain, they completed 736 laps, or roughly 3977 kilometres. . The team, which focused its testing on reliability rather than performance, clocked the second highest milage during Week 2.

Despite a minor issue on the first day of the opening test, the team had a productive run overall. Across two Bahrain tests, Racing Bulls was among the most active outfits on track, completing one of the highest lap counts. Rookie Arvid Lindblad even recorded the highest daily mileage of any driver on the final day of testing, and 399 laps overall.

While Lawson trailed just behind with 337 laps and the VCARB 03 showed strong signs of reliability and pace. Following testing, Lawson stated that the two weeks were a success for the team.

“I think just completing a run plan in a test like this is a good achievement, with how difficult these new cars are… So far it’s okay, performance-wise very hard to know obviously what everybody else is doing, but we’ll find out pretty soon in Melbourne.”

2026 Predictions

The off-season undoubtedly looked positive for Racing Bulls, which will bolster the team’s hopes of defending their sixth place Constructors finish from 2025.

With the likes of Haas and Alpine also appearing strong in the midfield, VCARB is looking to face tough competition throughout 2026. If all goes well with the Red Bull Ford Powertrains, the junior team could be looking top hang onto sixth in the Constructors Championship.

Feature Image Credits: Red Bull Content Pool