Liam Lawson, a name increasingly synonymous with speed, determination, and raw talent, has carved a remarkable path in the world of motorsport. Born on February 11, 2002, in Hastings, New Zealand, this young racing prodigy has risen from karting tracks in his homeland to the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1, where he now competes with Red Bull Racing. Lawson’s journey is a testament to his skill, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Here are five intriguing facts that highlight the unique aspects of his career and personal story.
1. A motorsport prodigy from age seven
Lawson’s passion for racing ignited at an extraordinarily young age. At just seven years old, he began competitive karting, a sport that would lay the foundation for his future success. Growing up in Pukekohe, New Zealand—a town with a rich motorsport heritage thanks to the nearby Pukekohe Park Raceway—Lawson quickly demonstrated his potential. By 2014, at the age of 12, he had already secured two national karting titles in New Zealand, showcasing a natural talent that set him apart from his peers.
2. Winning on debut across multiple categories
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lawson’s career is his uncanny ability to win races on his debut in nearly every racing category he has entered. This rare feat speaks volumes about his adaptability and preparation, qualities that have made him a standout talent in the Red Bull Junior Team.
Lawson’s streak of debut victories began in 2015 with Formula First, where he won his first single-seater race. In 2016, he continued this trend by winning on debut in Formula Ford, dominating the NZ F1600 Championship with a near-perfect record. In 2017, he moved to Australia and won his first race in the Australian Formula 4 Championship. This pattern persisted as he progressed internationally: in 2018, he won on debut in Formula 3 Asia, and in 2019, he triumphed in his first race in the Toyota Racing Series, ultimately securing the championship title. The streak continued in 2019 with Euroformula Open and FIA Formula 3, and in 2021, he clinched his debut win in FIA Formula 2.
3. Mentored by a New Zealand motorsport legend
Behind every great driver is often a mentor who helps shape their career, and for Liam Lawson, that figure is Ken Smith, a three-time New Zealand Grand Prix winner and a legend in Kiwi motorsport. Smith, who has competed in motorsport for over six decades, took Lawson under his wing during his formative years, providing invaluable guidance and expertise.
Smith’s mentorship began when Lawson was still in karting and continued as he transitioned to single-seaters. Known for his meticulous approach and deep understanding of racing, Smith helped Lawson refine his skills and develop the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest levels.
4. A versatile racer across multiple disciplines
While many drivers focus solely on single-seater racing as they climb the ladder to Formula 1, Liam Lawson has demonstrated remarkable versatility by competing—and excelling—in multiple racing disciplines. This breadth of experience sets him apart and has enhanced his adaptability, a critical asset in the unpredictable world of Formula 1.
In addition to his successes in karting, Formula 4, Formula 3, and Formula 2, Lawson ventured into the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in 2021, racing a Red Bull-backed Ferrari 488 GT3 for AF Corse alongside Alex Albon. Despite being a rookie in the touring car series, he finished as runner-up in the championship, narrowly missing the title due to a controversial finale. That same year, he competed in Formula 2 with Hitech Grand Prix, showcasing his ability to juggle dual programs in vastly different cars.
In 2023, Lawson added another dimension to his resume by racing in Japan’s Super Formula Championship with Team Mugen. He finished as runner-up, just 0.5 points behind champion Ritomo Miyata, and gained valuable experience in high-downforce, high-speed cars—skills that proved beneficial when he stepped into Formula 1 later that year.
5. A dramatic Formula 1 debut and rapid rise
Lawson’s entry into Formula 1 was nothing short of dramatic, and his rapid rise within the Red Bull ecosystem is a testament to his talent and readiness. In August 2023, Lawson made his F1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri (now RB) after Ricciardo broke his hand in a practice crash. With minimal preparation, Lawson faced treacherous wet-dry conditions at Zandvoort, qualifying last but finishing 13th in a chaotic race—a commendable performance under pressure.
His standout moment came at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, where he qualified 10th and finished ninth, scoring his first F1 points and knocking out championship leader Max Verstappen in Q2. This performance silenced doubters and showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. Lawson went on to race in five Grands Prix in 2023, serving as a reserve driver for both Red Bull and AlphaTauri in 2022-2024.
In 2024, Lawson replaced Ricciardo full-time at RB starting with the United States Grand Prix, finishing the season with four points across six races.