Racing Bulls faced a unique dilemma ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps: they had only enough upgraded parts for one of their two cars. The team, which has impressed this season, aimed to boost performance with new aerodynamic components, but time constraints meant only one chassis could be modified. To decide which driver would get the upgrade, team principal Alan Permane orchestrated a bet between Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.
How the Bet Worked
Permane revealed that the idea emerged after qualifying at Silverstone two weeks prior. He sat down with both drivers on a Saturday evening in Austria, where the mood was positive after strong qualifying results. He explained the situation: a significant upgrade was ready for Spa, but only for one car. The other would receive the parts for the next race in Budapest.
“I first suggested the very simple option, which is fair – we upgrade no cars for Spa, and then both of them for Budapest. Of course, they looked at me like I was crazy, and I wouldn’t have ever done that. We didn’t really seriously consider that,” Permane told reporters in Belgium. Instead, he proposed a coin flip or a more engaging challenge: whoever qualified higher at Silverstone would earn the upgrade. Both drivers agreed.
Lindblad Wins the Bet
At Silverstone, both drivers made it into Q3. Lindblad secured ninth on the grid, one place ahead of Lawson in tenth, earning him the new parts for Spa. Permane noted that this decision brought a sense of fun to the process rather than simply allocating the upgrade. He added, “I think what we’ll do if it happens again later in the season, and it may happen – we’ve got another big thing coming at some point – it’ll go to Liam, so we won’t do that again. He’ll automatically get it next time.”
Impact on the Team
The upgrade involves a chassis modification, specifically shrinking the roll hoop, which could not be completed for both cars in time between Silverstone and Spa. Permane emphasized that the team prefers not to bring updates for just one car, but the circumstances left no other choice. The decision ensures Lindblad benefits from the new aerodynamic design this weekend, while Lawson will receive priority for the next major upgrade package.
Racing Bulls, known for their competitive spirit, have used this lighthearted approach to maintain team morale while addressing technical limitations. The bet not only resolved a logistical issue but also added an element of excitement for the drivers and fans alike.
