Racing Bulls has introduced a significant upgrade package for the Belgian Grand Prix, with the new components fitted exclusively to Arvid Lindblad’s VCARB 03 car. The team confirmed the upgrade could only be prepared for one car due to its complexity and the chassis modifications required.
The package includes a revised engine cover, a narrower roll hoop, updated front corner elements, and a new rear wing. These parts are designed to enhance airflow and increase downforce on the VCARB 03.
Team Principal Alan Permane explained that the roll hoop modification, a chassis change, made it impossible to ready the upgrade for both cars between the British Grand Prix and the current event at Spa-Francorchamps.
The decision on which driver would receive the upgrade first was settled by their qualifying performance at the preceding British Grand Prix. Lindblad outpaced teammate Liam Lawson at Silverstone, securing the initial allocation.
Permane stated that he discussed the situation with both drivers after a strong qualifying session in Austria. He presented options, including delaying the upgrade for both cars until the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Ultimately, the drivers agreed to the Silverstone qualifying shootout. Permane also indicated that Lawson would automatically receive the next major upgrade should a similar situation arise later in the season.
‘Honestly, we don’t like bringing updates for just one car. It was impossible for us to do it to two cars,’ Permane explained. ‘It’s a chassis modification. We had to shrink the roll hoop, and we just couldn’t do that in time between Silverstone and here on both cars.’
Racing Bulls has demonstrated strong performance throughout the 2026 season, establishing itself as the fifth-fastest team in Formula 1. They are the only team to have secured double points finishes in the last four races.
The team currently sits sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, just one point behind Alpine. This consistent scoring has intensified the midfield battle.
Lindblad, a rookie this season, debuted at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix and scored points in his first race. He is the youngest British driver in Formula 1 history.
Lawson has also had a solid season, scoring points in seven of the nine races completed so far, including two Sprint finishes. He holds an advantage over Lindblad in the drivers’ standings.
During the first practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix, Lindblad, with the upgraded VCARB 03, finished ninth. Lawson, in the non-upgraded car, placed eleventh, 0.189 seconds behind his teammate.
The VCARB 03 features a Red Bull Ford DM01 power unit and underwent significant design changes for the 2026 regulations. Its livery was revealed in January 2026.
Many other teams have also brought upgrades to Spa-Francorchamps for this event. Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, Haas, Williams, Audi, Alpine, and Cadillac have all introduced new components.
Ferrari and Aston Martin are notable exceptions, having not declared any new upgrades for the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
