An In-Depth Look at Liam Lawson: New Zealand’s Formula 1 Hopeful
Will Lawson be an Upgrade from Daniel Ricciardo?
Liam Lawson, born on February 11, 2002, in Hastings, New Zealand, has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising talents in Formula 1. Known for his adaptability, raw speed, and composed driving style, Lawson has made a significant impact in the motorsport world. As of the 2024 season, Lawson is stepping into a crucial role, replacing Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull Racing (RB) for the remainder of the season. Lawson is poised to continue New Zealand’s rich legacy in motorsport with a proven track record in junior formulas and his stint in Super Formula.
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Liam Lawson’s Background and Early Career
Liam Lawson’s passion for racing was ignited at seven when he began karting at the Mt Wellington kart track in Auckland. His natural talent was evident early on, and by 2015, Lawson had transitioned to single-seater racing, making his debut in the Formula First Manfeild Winter Series in New Zealand. In his first season, he secured a win and ten podium finishes, ultimately finishing second overall and earning the Rookie of the Year title.
Liam Lawson’sEarly Racing Career
Lawson’s journey through the lower formulas was marked by several key achievements, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level from a young age:
- New Zealand Formula 1600 (2016-2017): Lawson’s first breakthrough came when he dominated the New Zealand Formula 1600 Championship, winning 14 of the 15 races. This made him the youngest champion in the series’ history and established his reputation as a rising star.
- Formula 4 (2017-2018): In 2017, Lawson moved to Australia to compete in the Australian Formula 4 Championship. He finished runner-up in his rookie season, claiming five race wins. The following year, he transitioned to the highly competitive ADAC Formula 4 Championship in Germany, finishing second overall with three race victories. These performances caught the attention of the Red Bull Junior Team, which signed Lawson in 2019 on his 17th birthday.
- Toyota Racing Series (2019): Returning to New Zealand during the European off-season, Lawson competed in the Toyota Racing Series and secured the championship title. His success in this prestigious series further cemented his status as one of the most promising young drivers on the global stage.
Progression to FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2
- FIA Formula 3 (2019-2020): Lawson debuted in the FIA Formula 3 Championship 2019 with MP Motorsport. Though his debut season was challenging, Lawson showed flashes of brilliance, securing podium finishes at Silverstone and Monza. In 2020, he switched to Hitech Grand Prix and secured his maiden Formula 3 win in Austria. Lawson finished the season with three victories and six podiums, proving his potential as a top-tier driver.
- FIA Formula 2 (2021-2022): In 2021, Lawson progressed to Formula 2, the final step before Formula 1, racing for Hitech Grand Prix. He won his debut race in Bahrain, making a strong statement about his readiness for the premier class. However, his season was filled with ups and downs, and he finished ninth overall. In 2022, he joined Carlin, claiming four wins and six podiums, finishing third in the championship standings. His performances in Formula 2 solidified his status as a future Formula 1 driver.
Super Formula Success
In 2023, Lawson took a unique route by competing in the highly competitive Super Formula Championship in Japan with Team Mugen. He proved invaluable in Super Formula, as he secured three race victories and finished runner-up in the championship, only narrowly missing out on the title. Lawson’s ability to adapt to the challenging conditions of Japanese circuits and his aggressive yet calculated driving style made him a standout figure in the series. His success in Super Formula also reinforced Red Bull’s belief in his talent, as he continued serving as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri.
Formula 1 Debut and 2024 Season
Lawson’s Formula 1 debut came in 2023 when he replaced an injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri (now rebranded as RB) during the Dutch Grand Prix. Lawson performed admirably despite being thrown into the deep end with limited practice time, finishing 13th in his first race. He continued to impress across five races, securing his first points finish with a ninth-place result at the Singapore Grand Prix.
In 2024, Lawson was again called upon to fill in for Ricciardo, this time for the remainder of the season, after Red Bull confirmed Ricciardo’s departure. Lawson will compete alongside Yuki Tsunoda for RB, starting with the United States Grand Prix. This opportunity marks a critical moment in Lawson’s career as Red Bull evaluates his potential as a future full-time driver for the team. His previous performances as a substitute in 2023 have already demonstrated his ability to handle the pressure of Formula 1, and now he has the chance to further prove his capabilities over a longer period.
2024 Season Performance
The 2024 season represents a pivotal chapter for Lawson as he takes over Ricciardo’s seat at RB. Key highlights from his performances include:
- Zandvoort Grand Prix (2023): Lawson made his Formula 1 debut and finished 13th despite limited practice time and challenging weather conditions.
- Singapore Grand Prix (2023): Lawson secured his first-ever Formula 1 points by finishing ninth, holding off stiff competition from more experienced drivers.
- United States Grand Prix (2024): Lawson will step in for Ricciardo and compete in the final six races of the 2024 season, giving him a prime opportunity to solidify his place within the Red Bull family.
Future Prospects
As Lawson continues to make his mark in Formula 1, his future looks increasingly bright. With Red Bull evaluating his performance against Yuki Tsunoda, Lawson has a golden opportunity to secure a permanent seat in the sport. His impressive track record across various racing series and his adaptability and maturity make him a strong candidate for a long and successful career in Formula 1.
Career Formula 1 Statistics (As of 2024)
- Points: 2
- Podiums: 0
- Highest Race Finish: 9th (Singapore Grand Prix, 2023)
- Grands Prix Entered: 5+
- Highest Grid Position: 10th
Conclusion
Liam Lawson’s journey from karting prodigy in New Zealand to competing at the highest level of motorsport has been nothing short of remarkable. With multiple championship victories in junior formulas, a successful stint in Super Formula, and now a chance to prove himself in Formula 1, Lawson is one of the sport’s most exciting young talents. As he steps into Daniel Ricciardo’s seat for the remainder of the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Lawson to see if he can rise to the challenge and secure his place in the future of Formula 1.
