Liam Lawson feels mentally drained after Japanese Grand Prix

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson finished ninth at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix but described himself as mentally drained afterward. He highlighted the intense demands of the new F1 regulations on drivers. Lawson shared these thoughts in a post-race interview with F1 TV.

Liam Lawson secured a ninth-place finish at Suzuka in the Japanese Grand Prix, navigating the challenges of Formula 1's overhauled 2026 cars. Speaking to F1 TV after the race, the New Zealand driver said, 'Good, a little bit mentally drained.' He added, 'It's very intense this year. You have a lot more that you're thinking about when you're driving. So, it was actually quite a tough race.'

Makala yanayohusiana

Frustrated F1 driver in Suzuka cockpit reacting to energy-saving qualifying rules at Japanese GP, with depleting battery visuals and track action.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

F1 drivers frustrated by qualifying quirks at Japanese GP

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Formula 1 drivers expressed widespread frustration with qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix after the 2026 power unit regulations forced energy-saving tactics that punished aggressive driving. Pushing harder in corners led to slower straights due to earlier battery charging, as highlighted by several top drivers. The FIA adjusted the energy limit to 8 megajoules for Suzuka, but calls for further changes persist ahead of talks before the Miami Grand Prix.

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson stated that Formula 1 drivers tend to complain about everything, including the divisive 2026 regulations that introduced smaller, lighter cars with greater emphasis on electrical energy. He acknowledged valid safety concerns following Oliver Bearman’s high-speed crash at Suzuka while expressing hope for performance improvements through upcoming upgrades. The FIA reported constructive talks on potential changes after discussions with F1 and engine manufacturers.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Williams team principal James Vowles described the Japanese Grand Prix as painful and vowed to use the five-week break before Miami to improve the team's performance. Carlos Sainz finished 15th and Alex Albon 20th at Suzuka. Vowles praised both drivers while addressing ongoing car issues.

Max Verstappen was knocked out in Q2 during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, securing only 11th place on the grid, while teammate Isack Hadjar starts eighth. The Red Bull driver described his RB22 as completely undriveable and voiced growing discontent with Formula 1's 2026 regulations, hinting at major life decisions. Jos Verstappen criticized the new era for prioritizing chaos over racing.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Formula 1 rookie Arvid Lindblad has described his partnership with teammate Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls as fun and seamless. The pair, who knew each other from the Red Bull Junior Programme, have worked well together amid the 2026 season's new regulations. Lindblad impressed with eighth place on his debut at the Australian Grand Prix and sits 11th in the drivers' standings after three rounds.

Following the first qualifying session under Formula 1's new 2026 rules at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, several drivers expressed dissatisfaction with the cars' handling and energy management demands. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris led the public critiques, describing the vehicles as unenjoyable and a step back from previous eras. While Mercedes secured a front-row lockout with George Russell on pole, the focus shifted to concerns raised in an intense drivers' briefing.

Imeripotiwa na AI

McLaren showed encouraging signs at the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying, with Oscar Piastri in third and Lando Norris fifth, but team principal Andrea Stella doubts a podium challenge against Ferrari. Norris faced mechanical issues limiting his practice running, leaving him playing catch-up. The session highlighted the challenges of Formula 1's new 2026 regulations.

Jumapili, 3. Mwezi wa tano 2026, 17:07:16

FIA clears Lawson after gearbox failure in Miami GP clash

Ijumaa, 3. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 11:53:26

Drivers highlight flaws in F1 2026 energy rules after Japanese GP

Ijumaa, 3. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 01:29:20

Max Verstappen ponders F1 future after Japanese Grand Prix

Jumanne, 31. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 01:19:07

Max Verstappen criticizes Red Bull car and new F1 rules after Japanese GP

Jumatatu, 30. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 11:29:03

Damon Hill hails tactical racing at Japanese Grand Prix

Jumatatu, 23. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 22:37:39

Sainz renews call for F1 2026 regs rethink after Shanghai GP

Jumatano, 11. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 11:29:00

Red Bull downplays concerns over Verstappen's motivation amid 2026 F1 regs criticism

Jumamosi, 7. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 16:58:03

Drivers criticize F1 2026 cars after Australian Grand Prix

Jumamosi, 28. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 19:44:37

Five F1 drivers under pressure for 2026 season

Jumatano, 25. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 09:11:59

Christian Horner says Lawson-Tsunoda swap wasn't his choice

 

 

 

Tovuti hii inatumia vidakuzi

Tunatumia vidakuzi kwa uchambuzi ili kuboresha tovuti yetu. Soma sera ya faragha yetu kwa maelezo zaidi.
Kataa