Liam Lawson has highlighted significant operational differences between the Red Bull Racing RB22 and his Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 03, despite both teams operating under the same ownership. Lawson, the only driver to compete for two different teams on the 2026 Formula 1 grid, noted that “pretty much everything” apart from the power unit varies between the cars.
Lawson’s unique experience stems from his dual role during the current 2026 season. He began the year driving for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
However, an injury to Isack Hadjar, who drives for Red Bull Racing, led to Lawson being called up to the senior team.
Lawson replaced Hadjar for three Grands Prix: the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish rounds.
During his stint with Red Bull Racing, Lawson scored points in two of these three races, securing a seventh-place finish in the Netherlands and a sixth-place finish in Spain.
Hadjar returned to his Red Bull Racing seat for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix onwards, with Lawson subsequently returning to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Lawson currently holds ninth position in the Drivers’ standings, having accumulated 75 points after 17 rounds of the 2026 season.
The operational distinction between the two Red Bull-owned teams is rooted in Formula 1 regulations. While both teams utilise the Red Bull Ford DM01 power unit, they are mandated to operate as separate constructors.
This means each team must design and manufacture its own “listed parts,” such as the chassis and aerodynamic surfaces.
However, “non-listed parts,” including gearboxes, hydraulics, and certain suspension components, can be sourced from a sister team. Visa Cash App Racing Bulls historically procures these elements from Red Bull Technology.
Lawson’s observations underscore that despite shared components, the overall design philosophy and integration differ significantly. He specifically mentioned the steering system as being more personalised to his preferences in his Racing Bulls car.
“Other than the power unit, pretty much everything, honestly. It’s very, very different to drive, so it was definitely a little bit of an adjustment to go back, but then the car is different, but also just the way the steering is, for example, is a bit more personal to me and my car.”
He further suggested that combining the strengths of both cars could result in a highly competitive package.
The 2026 technical regulations introduced a new car design philosophy, aiming for lighter, more nimble cars with revised aerodynamic packages.
Red Bull Racing’s RB22, for instance, features an aggressive aerodynamic interpretation of these new rules, including compact sidepods and a pronounced diffuser slot.
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, while benefiting from Red Bull’s technical expertise, develops its own chassis and aerodynamic package, leading to distinct performance characteristics.
Lawson’s future in Formula 1 for the 2027 season remains unconfirmed. Both Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have yet to finalise their driver lineups.
Speculation suggests Lawson is a strong candidate to retain a seat within the Red Bull family, potentially at Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad.
Isack Hadjar has already been confirmed to remain with Red Bull Racing for 2027.
