Key Takeaways (TL;DR):
- Best F1 Season for Faenza: Racing Bulls sits 5th in the Constructors’ Standings during the 2026 F1 season, led by strong drives from Liam Lawson and standout rookie Arvid Lindblad.
- Rising Intra-Team Rivalry: Tension is mounting between Lawson and Lindblad following on-track battles and ignored team orders in Austria, Hungary, and Belgium.
- 2027 Driver Market Pressure: With F3/F2 prospect Nikola Tsolov pushing for a seat, Lawson faces an uncertain future at Red Bull, forcing him to audition for rival teams over the remaining 12 races.
After a brief period where its driver development pipeline appeared stalled, Racing Bulls has re-established itself as a vital asset for Red Bull in Formula 1. Following Isack Hadjar’s promotion to the main squad, the Faenza-based team ended the first half of the 2026 season with a formidable pairing in Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. Despite occasional on-track clashes, the duo has taken control of the F1 midfield, anchoring the team in fifth place in the Constructors’ Standings—which would mark the highest championship finish in the team’s history.
Lawson, in particular, deserves significant credit. The New Zealander endured a turbulent 2025 campaign following a brief stint at Red Bull Racing. He initially struggled to find his footing after returning to the sister team, frequently trailing Hadjar before mounting a strong mid-season recovery that secured his place on the grid for 2026.
This season, the “Kiwi” driver has transformed his trajectory. Across the opening 11 races, Lawson has scored points in 8 events, holding ninth place in the Drivers’ Championship as the leading midfield driver outside of the top four teams. His form is built on consistent Q3 appearances and clean race execution.
On the other side of the garage, Arvid Lindblad has delivered a standout rookie campaign. Adapting rapidly to current Formula 1 machinery—especially under the challenging parameters of the technical regulations—the British driver has scored 7 top-10 finishes in 11 starts, outperforming several experienced veterans.
However, the fierce ambition of both drivers has sparked an escalating internal rivalry in Faenza:
Belgian GP: The pair engaged in a wheel-to-wheel duel that saw Lawson pushed off-track at Spa-Francorchamps, though race control opted against taking disciplinary action.
Hungarian GP: Lawson secured a better start to lead his teammate, but when he lost time behind Lewis Hamilton, the pit wall undercut Lindblad to cover off Nico Hülkenberg—a strategy call that drew frustration from the young Briton.
Austrian GP: Both cars suffered from brake overheating at the Red Bull Ring and were instructed to lift and coast. Lindblad ignored the team orders to overtake Lawson while chasing Oliver Bearman ahead. Lawson publicly voiced disapproval after Lindblad disregarded pit-wall directives and repassed him.
The 2027 Driver Market and the Fight for Fifth
The battle between the two teammates is expected to intensify across the second half of 2026. With Red Bull Junior driver Nikola Tsolov emerging as a strong candidate for a 2027 race seat, Lawson finds himself in a vulnerable position. As a more experienced driver within the program, history suggests his chances of returning to the main Red Bull squad are slim—mirroring the career path of drivers like Pierre Gasly.
Lawson now has a 12-race window to market his skills to rival teams on the grid. Given his consistency, he has built a compelling case. However, with Racing Bulls likely planning long-term around Lindblad’s future within the Red Bull ecosystem, strategic priority may increasingly favor the rookie.
Across the entire history of Red Bull’s secondary F1 franchise (formerly Toro Rosso and AlphaTauri), a fifth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship has remained elusive. In 2026, the team holds a prime opportunity to achieve that milestone with a competitive package and two capable drivers. To secure it, management must manage garage dynamics effectively to avoid losing ground to midfield rivals like Alpine and Haas.
Formula 1 is currently in its summer break. Track action for the 2026 season resumes August 21–23 with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What position is Racing Bulls in the 2026 F1 Constructors’ Championship?
Racing Bulls currently holds 5th place in the 2026 Constructors’ Championship following the first 11 rounds of the season.
Who are Racing Bulls’ drivers for the 2026 season?
The 2026 Racing Bulls driver lineup features New Zealander Liam Lawson and British rookie Arvid Lindblad.
