Lawson: Driver complaints over 2026 F1 rules 'inevitable' but safety is key concern

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson says criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris about Formula 1's new 2026 technical regulations was inevitable, but argues that safety concerns—highlighted by a high-speed crash in Japan—are the most pressing issue that needs addressing as the rules evolve.

Why it matters:

The vocal discontent from top drivers threatens the credibility of F1's new era before it has even begun in earnest. While performance and drivability complaints are part of any regulatory cycle, direct safety criticisms from the cockpit carry significant weight and could force swift revisions from the FIA and F1 to ensure the new, lighter, more electrically dependent cars are fundamentally safe to race.

The details:

• Driver backlash is expected: Lawson stated that racing drivers "complain about everything" and that this will never change, suggesting the current wave of criticism from peers like Verstappen—who likened the 2026 concept to "Mario Kart"—is a normal part of the process.
• Safety tops the complaint list: The New Zealander identified safety, particularly following Oliver Bearman's high-speed crash at Suzuka in the 2026-spec car, as the most valid and urgent concern over the new regulations, above performance or drivability issues.
• Performance will evolve: Acknowledging that the current 2026 cars are significantly slower—around two seconds per lap—Lawson expressed confidence that a fierce development race will close the performance gap and improve how the cars handle, as has happened with past regulation changes.
• Regulation talks are ongoing: The FIA confirmed "constructive dialogue" took place last week with F1 and engine manufacturers about potential tweaks, focusing on energy usage, with more meetings scheduled in the coming weeks to refine the rules.

What's next:

The focus is now on the rule-makers to respond to the feedback. Teams are pushing hard with upgrades, aiming to find performance from the Miami Grand Prix onwards, while the FIA's technical working groups will be under pressure to find solutions that address the legitimate safety worries raised by the drivers without diluting the core objectives of the 2026 regulations.