Spy images have revealed Racing Bulls 2026 F1 car making its on-track debut in Imola as the team makes preparations ahead of Formula 1 pre-season testing next week.
Captured by photographer Filippo Perotti from FP images, these exclusive shots have provided the first genuine glimpse of the Faenza-based team’s challenger beyond the showcar unveiled in their recent livery launch alongside sister team Red Bull.
Conducted under damp conditions at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix venue, the shakedown run not only validated key mechanical systems but also spotlighted innovative design elements like an eye-catching airbox, signaling Racing Bulls’ aggressive approach to the 2026 era.
Liam Lawson, stepping into his first full campaign with the team, piloted the VCARB 03 for its first laps just before lunchtime local time on Tuesday, completing a limited 15km demonstration day as per testing restrictions.
Detailed analysis from the photos reveals meticulous detailing around the halo winglets, front daggers, and tapered bodywork under the sidepods, all optimized to power up floor edge interactions and lower deflectors within the strict 2026 aerodynamic constraints.
VCARB 03’s debut coincides with the integration of the all-new Red Bull Powertrains engine, developed in collaboration with Ford—a significant milestone since Ford last powered an F1 car with Jaguar Racing back in 2004.
Both Lawson and rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad will have an opportunity to rack up a bit of meaningful mileage in Racing Bulls 2026 F1 car with a longer promotional run scheduled for Wednesday to gather further data ahead of official Formula 1 pre-season testing in Barcelona from January 26th to 30th.
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