Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls has criticised the early phase of the new Formula 1 regulations following qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix 2026 in Shanghai. The New Zealander argued that the racing dynamic created by the new generation cars does not resemble the style of competition drivers are accustomed to.
Lawson will start the race from 14th on the grid at the Shanghai International Circuit, a result that reinforced his frustration after the opening rounds of the championship. Since the introduction of the new regulatory package, several drivers have raised concerns about the complexity of the cars, particularly the influence of active aerodynamics and energy management on wheel-to-wheel racing.
A number of drivers have also voiced safety concerns regarding race starts and the opening laps. Max Verstappen has been among those questioning the driving enjoyment of the new cars, while Carlos Sainz and George Russell have highlighted potential safety implications linked to active aerodynamic straight-line modes and their impact during crowded race situations.
Across the paddock, the majority of drivers have described the new rules as overly complex. Several have also used terms such as “artificial” or “fake” to characterise the overtaking patterns produced by the heavy reliance on energy deployment systems.
“It’s exciting, but when you understand the reason that these overtakes are being made, and it's not really…,” Lawson told media including RacingNews365.
“I don't know, not really so much overtakes, but who's got more energy, who's out of energy.”
“Somebody uses the energy, and then on the next straight, they have no energy and they get overtaken again — it's not racing that I'm used to.”
Lawson’s remarks add to the growing debate around the competitive balance and driving characteristics of Formula 1’s latest technical era. With the Chinese Grand Prix main race still to come, teams and drivers now face the challenge of optimising energy deployment and aerodynamic modes as the championship continues to adapt to the new regulatory framework.
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