Just days after lifting the covers off its 2026 challenger in Detroit, Racing Bulls rolled its VCARB 03 out of the garage at Imola on Tuesday, beginning an early shakedown designed to smooth out any wrinkles before Formula 1’s pre-season testing begins next week.
Under grey skies at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and damp track, the team’s new car finally stretched its legs – not in anger, but with purpose – as the Faenza-based outfit set about ensuring everything worked exactly as intended ahead of a busy build-up to the new campaign.
Tuesday’s running was reportedly limited to 15 kilometres under Formula 1’s ‘demonstration event’ regulations, giving engineers an invaluable first look at the VCARB 03 in real conditions.
The focus was firmly on system checks rather than lap times, as the team worked through installation procedures and early data gathering.
Wednesday will see Racing Bulls exploit one of its two authorized filming days to expand its mileage, allowing both Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad an opportunity to rack up a bit of meaningful mileage.
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For Lawson, the Imola running represents the first step into his maiden full campaign with Racing Bulls. Alongside him, Lindblad begins his Formula 1 journey after stepping up from the FIA F2 Championship in which he competed in 2025.
The teenager becomes the sport’s fifth British driver on the grid this season, adding another layer of intrigue to Racing Bulls’ 2026 line-up.
With early laps now logged and Barcelona looming, Racing Bulls will hope that Imola’s quiet shakedown sets the stage for a louder statement when the lights go green in pre-season testing.
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