Competitive karting provided the foundation for Liam Lawson, who began racing in 2008 at age six. Raised in Pukekohe near the Pukekohe Park Raceway, he eventually secured a position as a Formula One driver. His family facilitated his early progression by selling their house to provide the necessary funding for his entry into the sport.
Early Career and Junior Formulae
Lawson transitioned to single-seater racing in 2015, competing in the Formula First Manfeild Winter Series. He later achieved success in the NZ Formula First championship and dominated the NZ F1600 Championship Series. By 2017, he advanced to the Australian F4 championship, finishing as runner-up. Subsequent years included runner-up finishes in the 2018 ADAC F4 and 2019 Euroformula Open championships, alongside winning the 2019 Toyota Racing Series with M2 Competition.
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In 2019, Lawson joined the FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport, scoring two podiums throughout the season. He moved to Hitech Grand Prix in 2020 before graduating to the FIA Formula 2 championship in 2021. Racing with Carlin in 2022, he secured third place in the final standings. His versatility extended to the 2021 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, where he finished as runner-up to Maximilian Götz.
Entry into Formula One
A member of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2019, Lawson served as a reserve driver for Red Bull and AlphaTauri from 2022 to 2024. He made his Formula One debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, substituting for an injured Daniel Ricciardo. After scoring points in Singapore, he became a full-time driver for Racing Bulls in 2024. He maintains a contract with the team through at least the 2026 season.
Fast facts
- Born: 2002, Hastings, New Zealand
- Formula One Team: Racing Bulls
- Personal Racing Number: 30
- 2019 Toyota Racing Series Champion
- 2022 Formula 2 Championship Position: 3rd
- Early Karting Start: 2008
Questions readers ask
When did Liam Lawson start driving for Racing Bulls full-time?
He replaced Daniel Ricciardo full-time starting from the 2024 United States Grand Prix.
What is the origin of Lawson's racing number?
He chose 30, the same number he has used since he was eight years old to honor his karting mentor.
Achievements
- Discipline: auto racing
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