The first day of practice at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix brought mixed results for Racing Bulls, with Liam Lawson making a solid return while Arvid Lindblad faced difficulties. Lawson stepped back into his Racing Bulls car after a three-race spell substituting for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, showing promising pace during the sessions. Meanwhile, Lindblad’s day was cut short by a crash that caused a red flag and significant damage to his car.
During the opening practice session, both Racing Bulls drivers posted competitive times, with Lawson finishing seventh and Lindblad eighth. However, the second session saw contrasting fortunes. Lawson ended FP2 in 12th position and had a close encounter with Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari while on a hot lap. Lindblad, on the other hand, crashed into the barriers at the castle section about 20 minutes into FP2, damaging the right side of his car and bringing out red flags.
Following the incident, Lindblad apologized over team radio, describing the crash as a matter of clipping the wall by a millimetre. This was his second crash in FP2 sessions in recent races, having also crashed in Madrid. Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane addressed the situation by emphasizing support rather than punishment, attributing the crash to the enthusiasm typical of a rookie driver. He also praised Lindblad’s pace despite the setback and welcomed Lawson’s return, noting the positive dynamic between the two drivers.
Lawson expressed satisfaction at being back in his Racing Bulls car but acknowledged there is room for improvement. He highlighted the need to work on performance in low-speed corners to secure a top-10 qualifying position. His return adds valuable experience to the team, especially after his recent substitute role at Red Bull.
The practice sessions in Baku underlined the challenges and learning curve for Racing Bulls’ rookie driver, while Lawson’s return brought a steady presence to the team’s efforts. Permane’s comments reflect a balanced approach to driver development, focusing on growth and maintaining team morale amid the pressures of the championship.
Overall, the day’s events provided insight into Racing Bulls’ current form and driver lineup as they continue their preparations for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. Lawson’s steady pace and Lindblad’s resilience will be key factors to watch as the team works through the weekend’s sessions.