Formula 1 is often associated with luxury yachts, multimillion-pound contracts, and fleets of private jets waiting to whisk drivers away after every Grand Prix. That is why fans were left doing a double take after Racing Bulls teammates Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were spotted boarding a commercial easyJet flight following the Belgian Grand Prix instead of joining the parade of private aircraft used by many of their rivals.
The unexpected travel choice quickly became one of the most talked-about off-track moments from the Spa-Francorchamps weekend. While the image sparked plenty of jokes online, it also highlighted the financial realities facing younger Formula 1 drivers and the contrasting lifestyles that exist within the sport.
LAWSON AND LINDBLAD TAKE A DIFFERENT ROUTE HOME
Following the Belgian Grand Prix, Liam Lawson shared a photo on social media showing himself and teammate Arvid Lindblad seated together on an easyJet flight, humorously captioning the post with a simple shoutout to the airline.
The image immediately caught fans’ attention because it stood in stark contrast to the travel arrangements typically associated with Formula 1 stars. While many drivers departed Belgium aboard private jets worth millions of pounds, Lawson and Lindblad opted for a budget commercial flight.
The decision may not have been glamorous, but it instantly made the Racing Bulls pairing relatable to thousands of supporters who travel the same way every day.
MOST OF THE GRID TRAVELLED IN LUXURY
The difference between the Racing Bulls duo and several of Formula 1’s biggest names could hardly have been greater.
Reports indicated that Lewis Hamilton departed Spa aboard an Embraer Legacy 500, while Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc used a Bombardier Challenger 605. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso was also seen travelling on a Dassault Falcon business jet.
These aircraft represent the standard mode of transport for many established Formula 1 drivers, offering privacy, flexibility, and rapid travel between race weekends.
Lawson and Lindblad, however, demonstrated that not every Formula 1 driver follows the same routine.
THE REALITY OF LIFE OUTSIDE THE SPORT’S BIGGEST PAYCHECKS
Although Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are Formula 1 drivers, their earnings remain modest compared to the championship’s highest-paid stars.
Lawson reportedly earns around £2.24 million per season, while rookie sensation Lindblad is believed to receive approximately £750,000 annually. Those figures are substantial by ordinary standards but remain a fraction of the salaries commanded by established champions like Hamilton, Max Verstappen, or Charles Leclerc.
Commercial travel therefore represents a perfectly sensible option, particularly for drivers still establishing themselves in the sport.
It also reflects the significant gap between Formula 1’s elite earners and the younger drivers fighting to secure their long-term futures.
FANS LOVED THE DOWN-TO-EARTH MOMENT
The social media reaction was overwhelmingly positive.
Many fans joked about the surreal experience of discovering two Formula 1 drivers sitting just a few rows away on a budget airline.
Others praised Lawson and Lindblad for remaining grounded despite competing in one of the world’s most glamorous sports.
Some supporters even admitted they would struggle to resist asking for photographs if they found themselves sharing a flight with the Racing Bulls pair.
Moments like these help humanize athletes who often seem distant because of Formula 1’s luxurious image.
RACING BULLS CONTINUE TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
The travel story also arrived during what has been an encouraging season for Racing Bulls.
Both Lawson and Lindblad have consistently outperformed expectations throughout the 2026 campaign. They currently occupy 10th and 11th places in the Drivers’ Championship, proving that Racing Bulls has become one of the midfield’s strongest competitors.
While Lawson narrowly missed the points in Belgium, Lindblad secured another top-10 finish by placing ninth.
The British rookie has steadily built confidence throughout the year and recently admitted that each race weekend has helped him improve both his pace and his relationship with the engineering team.
His rapid adaptation continues to strengthen Racing Bulls’ long-term prospects.
WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS FOR FORMULA 1
Although the easyJet photo may seem like a lighthearted social media moment, it reflects a broader reality inside Formula 1.
The sport often projects an image of unlimited wealth, yet not every driver enjoys the same financial security or lifestyle. Younger competitors frequently prioritize practicality while investing in their careers, especially during the early years of their Formula 1 journey.
That mindset may ultimately benefit them.
Rather than focusing on luxury, Lawson and Lindblad appear fully committed to developing as drivers while helping Racing Bulls climb the competitive order.
LOOKING AHEAD TO HUNGARY
With the Hungarian Grand Prix approaching before Formula 1’s summer break, Racing Bulls will hope to convert their growing consistency into more valuable championship points.
Lawson remains determined to return to the top ten after narrowly missing out at Spa, while Lindblad’s recent performances suggest another points finish is well within reach.
If the team’s upward trajectory continues, the headlines surrounding Lawson and Lindblad may soon focus less on how they travel—and more on how regularly they challenge the sport’s established stars on track.
For now, however, one thing is certain: in a paddock dominated by private aviation, two Formula 1 drivers reminded everyone that sometimes the most memorable journey begins with a boarding pass rather than a private terminal.
