Liam Lawson is gearing up for another season with Racing Bulls in 2026, as he seeks to further establish his presence in Formula 1. At just 24 years old, the New Zealander is determined to showcase his skills alongside a new rookie teammate.
"I feel ready for the challenges that lie ahead, and I'm excited to work with the team and my new colleague to bring out the best in each other," said Liam Lawson, showcasing his readiness to tackle the upcoming season.
Born on February 11, 2002, in Hastings, New Zealand, Lawson’s motorsport journey began at the tender age of seven with karting. His early career witnessed him competing in numerous championships across New Zealand, where he claimed two national titles in 2014. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for his ambition to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.
Transitioning to single-seaters in 2015, Lawson entered the New Zealand Formula First Manfield Winter Series, where he quickly made a name for himself. "Winning a race and earning nine podiums was an incredible way to start my career in single-seaters," said Lawson, reflecting on his impressive start within competitive racing.
As he progressed, Lawson entered the New Zealand F1600 Championship Series in 2016. Notably, he secured the title as the youngest champion, achieving a remarkable 14 victories. "That season taught me a lot about consistency and the importance of maintaining focus," he remarked.
In 2017, his journey took him to the Australian Formula 4 Championship with Team BRM, where he showcased his talent by winning five races. His impressive performances solidified his reputation and resulted in a second-place finish in the championship, further fueling his aspirations in motorsport.
Lawson made a significant move to Europe in 2018, joining Van Amersfoort Racing for the ADAC Formula 4 Championship. The transition proved successful; he notched three wins and several podium finishes. "Competing in Europe was a turning point in my career, expanding my horizons and allowing me to race against some of the best drivers in the world," Lawson commented.
In 2019, Lawson continued his ascent to the top by participating in the New Zealand Toyota Racing Series and FIA Formula 3 Championship. His achievements in 2019 included winning five races in the Toyota series, leading to a championship title with 356 points. "Winning the title felt rewarding, but it was just the beginning for me," he said.
His foray into the FIA Formula 3 Championship added two more podiums to his growing portfolio. However, Lawson would continue to push himself—he returned to the Toyota Racing Series in 2020, collecting multiple wins again. "I was determined to keep improving and learning from each race, regardless of the series," Lawson stated.
As he entered Formula 2 in 2021 with Hitech, Lawson secured his first victory in the category—a significant milestone in his racing career. "That win was special; it showed that hard work pays off," said Lawson. He also began to compete in the DTM, driving a Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020, achieving three wins and narrowly missing the title by three points.
Continuing in Formula 2 in 2022, Lawson switched to Carlin, where he claimed four victories and finished in third place in the championship standings with 149 points. "I learned a lot during these years, and each experience has made me a better driver," he noted.
Finally, Lawson made his highly anticipated F1 debut in the Dutch Grand Prix in 2023 and has been racing actively since. His current standings place him 14th, reflecting his ongoing development within the sport. “Every race is an opportunity for me to learn and grow as a driver, and I’m eager to see how I can contribute to Racing Bulls in the coming seasons,” Lawson shared with optimism.
As Lawson continues to hone his skills in Formula 1, the motorsport community remains watchful of his potential and the influence he may have within the sport for years to come. With a drive that stems from years of dedication and a clear vision for his future, Liam Lawson is undoubtedly a name to watch as he prepares to address the exhilarating challenges of the upcoming season.