| Car Number | #30 |
| Team | Racing Bulls |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Born | February 11, 2002 - Hastings, New Zealand |
| Age | 24 |
2026 Season Stats
Career Stats
Biography
Liam Lawson is a New Zealand racing driver who has earned his place on the Formula 1 grid through talent, patience, and impressive substitute performances. Born on February 11, 2002 in Hastings, New Zealand, Lawson left his home country as a teenager to pursue a career in European single-seater racing, following a path well-trodden by Kiwi motorsport heroes like Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme.
Lawson joined the Red Bull Junior Team and progressed through Formula 3 and Formula 2, showing consistent speed and racecraft. His big break came in 2023 when he substituted for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls), scoring points and demonstrating that he could handle F1 machinery with confidence. He made further substitute appearances in late 2024, each time delivering results that strengthened his case for a full-time seat.
For 2026, Lawson secured a full-time drive with Racing Bulls alongside fellow young talent Arvid Lindblad. Sitting tenth in the championship with 10 points after three races, Lawson has been a solid points scorer and has frequently outperformed the expected pace of his car. His aggressive but calculated driving style has drawn praise from Red Bull management, and a future promotion to the senior Red Bull team remains a real possibility.
At 24, Lawson carries the hopes of New Zealand motorsport fans who have waited years for a Kiwi in F1. His journey from Hastings to the Formula 1 grid is an inspiring story of determination and talent triumphing over geographic isolation. With his career trajectory pointing firmly upward, Lawson has the potential to become one of New Zealand's greatest sporting exports.
Interesting Facts
- The first New Zealander to race full-time in F1 in decades
- Made multiple substitute appearances for AlphaTauri/Racing Bulls before earning a full-time seat
- Part of the Red Bull Junior Team development programme
- Left New Zealand as a teenager to pursue racing in Europe
- Also competed in DTM (German touring cars), winning races against experienced tin-top drivers
- Known for his fiery competitive spirit and willingness to race hard wheel-to-wheel