There are trains that pass only once in a lifetime and must be caught quickly. Liam Lawsonat just 22 years old, has received a sensational chance to demonstrate his talent at the highest level. The New Zealander took advantage of the collapse of Sergio Perez’s performances as he no longer had the trust of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. The Mexican, in fact, contributed to the Anglo-Austrian team’s loss of the scepter in the constructors’ standings, thanks to results outside the points zone in the second part of the season.
Liam Lawson grew up in the Milton Keynes-based team’s Academy, making his F1 debut in the Junior team in place of Daniel Ricciardo. His experience in Formula 1 is limited to just 11 races to date, or less than half the championship, and 6 points overall obtained thanks to the three points finishes achieved at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, the United States Grand Prix and at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix. Red Bull Racing took a big risk, as it had already done in the past with Gasly and Albon, having no valid alternatives.
Liam Lawson’s motorsport journey
The Hastings native began racing karts at the age of seven, taking part in numerous championships across New Zealand. In 2014 he celebrated two national 100 cc karting titles. At 13 he made his single-seater debut in the Formula First Manfield Winter Series with Saber Motorsport, immediately scoring a victory and ten podiums in total to close the championship in second position. He later participated in the New Zealand Formula First championship, scoring a victory and the title of Rookie of the Year. He then became champion in the NZ F1600 Championship Series, scoring fourteen victories out of fifteen races and becoming the youngest champion in the history of the series and the youngest Formula Ford champion ever.
The transition to Formula 4 took place in nearby Australia. 5 victories and the recognition of vice-champion arrived. The class of 2002, in 2019, also tried his hand at Toyota Racing Series championship, winning the title and beating the young Ferrari Driver Academy and compatriot Marcus Armstrong. The following year he took part in the Formula Toyota single-make challenge, finishing ahead of Yuki Tsunoda. The ballot between the two for the RBR seat saw him as the winner, also because the Japanese lacked the support of Honda which will supply the Power Units to Team Aston Martin from 2026.
After two not too exciting years in Formula 3, Liam Lawson has conquered in 2022 the third place finish in Formula 2 with the Carlin team. He then became vice champion of the Super Formula in 2023 and in GT he became vice champion of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in 2021. The drink team signed him in 2019 and rewarded him first with a seat in the Junior Team and, in followed, with the pleasant responsibility of becoming Sergio Perez’s heir.
Lawson’s joy at a place in Red Bull Racing
“Being announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me, something I have longed for and wanted I have been working since the age of eight – said the New Zealand driver after the team announcement – It’s been an incredible journey so far. I want to sincerely thank the entire VCARB team for their support, the last six races have played a fundamental role in my preparation for this next step“. RB’s technical collapse will also have to be stemmed by its talent, as well as by the performances of the 4-time world champion, Max Verstappen.
Christian Horner added: “I am delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will be joining the team in 2025. Liam’s performances over his two spells with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have shown that he is not only capable of achieving great results, but that he is also a true driver , That he’s not afraid to mix with the best and come out victoriouse”.
