Permane encourages Racing Bulls drivers to emulate Verstappen’s communication
Alan Permane, the team principal of Racing Bulls, has advised his drivers, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, to closely observe how Max Verstappen communicates over team radio. At the Belgian Grand Prix, Permane highlighted Verstappen’s composure and precision in his feedback as qualities that young drivers should aim to replicate. He considers Verstappen a "benchmark" for drivers who are just starting their careers in Formula 1.
Lawson and Lindblad make up the least experienced driver pair on the 2026 F1 grid, with only 35 combined race starts entering the season. This is significantly fewer than even the second-least experienced pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who have already completed 176 races together.
Permane explained that his team uses GPS technology and shared data to listen to Verstappen’s radio conversations. He stressed the value of Verstappen’s ability to remain calm under pressure and to deliver clear and useful feedback. “I think it’s a great example for young drivers,” Permane said, noting the importance of learning from a driver at the top of the sport.
Lawson continues to learn from his Red Bull experience
Liam Lawson, who now drives for Racing Bulls, previously competed in two rounds for Red Bull in early 2025 before being reassigned to the Faenza-based team. At the Austrian Grand Prix, he shared how he still gains insights by observing what Verstappen and other drivers do on track. “You pick up things, for sure, when you’re watching what everybody’s doing,” he said.
Lawson and Lindblad have shown a close battle so far in the 2026 season. Lawson leads in qualifying with an 8-6 advantage and in points with a 43-23 edge. However, Lindblad has been gaining confidence and closing the gap, especially in the last six races, where he has outscored Lawson 18-9.
Permane expects the competition between the two young drivers to remain intense throughout the season. “Their ideal laps are separated by milliseconds,” he said during Belgian GP FP1, describing the situation as a “nip and tuck” race that will likely continue all year.
Shared data and an exceptional example
Even though Racing Bulls and Red Bull share information, Permane clarified that his team only uses data that is accessible to all teams in the championship. Verstappen’s communication style, however, stands out from the norm. His precise feedback and calm demeanor are qualities that Permane believes young drivers like Lawson and Lindblad should adopt.
Lawson, now 24, and Lindblad, 18, are still in the early stages of their F1 careers. Verstappen, who is 26 and the reigning world champion, has set a high standard for on-track performance and communication. “He carries himself in and out of the car in an exemplary way,” Permane said, reinforcing why he sees Verstappen as an ideal role model for up-and-coming talent in the sport.
