Team roles
In the list of teams that have undergone the most internal changes between last season and the one kicking off this weekend in Australia, Racing Bulls undoubtedly stands out. Since the second half of 2025, the Faenza-based team has continued the world championship with Alan Permane as the new Team Principal, replacing Laurent Mekies after the latter’s move to Red Bull (called by the Milton Keynes outfit following the dismissal of Christian Horner).
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The only rookie
Regarding the drivers, Racing Bulls will present the only rookie of 2026: Arvid Lindblad. With Isack Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull, the former Red Bull Junior Team member will be ready for his F1 debut at the Melbourne circuit after competing in Formula 2 last season, as well as being crowned Formula Regional Oceania champion: “I’m really excited to be in Australia for my Formula 1 debut – commented the Briton – during the winter break, I trained hard to be in the best possible shape; coming from F2, I think the main challenge was training the neck. We spent a lot of time in the simulator, which helped me gain confidence before hitting the track. Having three different test sessions was very important this year, so I tried to make the most of every lap to learn something new and feel more comfortable with the car. The 2026 cars are obviously very different, I think the PU is probably the most important change and driver feedback has a greater influence than in the past. Last weekend I had the chance to drive at the Red Bull Moto Jam in Delhi. It was a truly special event and, honestly, the best way to kick off the F1 season. It’s always great when I go to India, and this time I really had the chance to connect with and excite the Indian fans, as well as celebrate my Indian roots with my mother and grandparents. Now I am completely focused and ready for Melbourne, which is one of my favorite cities in the world. Albert Park is a really challenging circuit, with high-speed corners and heavy braking; it feels like driving on a street circuit with the walls so close. I drove here in F3 and F2 and it was exciting, so I can’t wait to drive an F1 car on this iconic circuit. I have dreamed of this moment since I was a child and it is something I have worked for my whole life, so the fact that it is coming true is really special. I can’t wait to start and I just wanted to thank everyone who helped me settle in and feel as comfortable as possible so far!”
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Another chapter
A new chapter will also open for Lawson at Racing Bulls. Having stepped in for Ricciardo in 2023 and 2024 (following the Australian’s injury and subsequently his dismissal), the New Zealander will begin his first season with the team from the first race of the championship. In 2025, in fact, he was promoted to Red Bull, but his experience with the Anglo-Austrian team lasted only two races: “I’m extremely excited for the first round in Melbourne, which marks the start of the new season. Even though the winter break was short, it was great to spend some time at home in New Zealand with friends and family to recharge and prepare physically for a demanding 2026. There are many unknowns this year, with new regulations and new cars, which means we will be continuously learning and adapting throughout the year, and that’s exciting for the sport. The last tests in Bahrain were an example of this: understanding the reliability of the car and the Power Unit, both of which were reliable all week. Preparation is key to entering this new era of F1, so that is the constant focus. It will be as close as possible to a home race in Australia, so I can’t wait to meet the local fans and breathe in that atmosphere, which is always truly special.”
