Liam Lawson: F1 Bio, Stats & Career Timeline

Liam Lawson is a New Zealand Formula 1 driver for Racing Bulls. Born on 11 February 2002 in Hastings, New Zealand, Lawson is one of the most experienced young drivers to come through Red Bull's junior programme, known for a fearless, opportunistic streak that has repeatedly turned last-minute call-ups into standout performances.

Early Life and Junior Career

Lawson began karting at age seven and won two national titles in New Zealand before moving into single-seaters in 2015, racing for Sabre Motorsport in the New Zealand Formula First series. He became the youngest-ever champion of the New Zealand F1600 Championship in 2016, then moved to Europe and Australia, taking the runner-up spot in both the Australian F4 and ADAC F4 championships across 2017 and 2018. In 2019 he won the Toyota Racing Series title in New Zealand before establishing himself as a front-runner in FIA Formula 3 with Hitech Grand Prix, also competing in DTM. He continued with Hitech into FIA Formula 2, finishing runner-up in the 2022 championship to Felipe Drugovich.

A Sudden Formula 1 Debut (2023)

Lawson's Formula 1 opportunity arrived without warning at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, when he was called up by AlphaTauri to replace an injured Daniel Ricciardo. Racing in torrential conditions at Zandvoort on his debut, he immediately impressed, and went on to outqualify World Champion Max Verstappen to reach Q3 in Singapore — a performance that put the paddock on notice, even though the seat ultimately returned to a recovered Ricciardo for 2024.

Racing Bulls and a Red Bull Promotion (2024–2025)

Lawson returned to a race seat at the newly rebranded Racing Bulls from the United States Grand Prix in 2024 and was promoted to the senior Red Bull Racing team for the start of 2025, partnering Max Verstappen. After two races in the top team, he was moved back to Racing Bulls, where he spent the remainder of the season rebuilding his form and continuing to develop as one of the grid's most tenacious midfield racers.

Continuing with Racing Bulls (2026)

Lawson remains with Racing Bulls for 2026, taking on a senior role within the team alongside a rookie teammate and continuing to build the experience that has made him one of Red Bull's most trusted options across its two Formula 1 entries.

Personal Life

Lawson has cited the Disney-Pixar character Lightning McQueen from Cars as an early inspiration for his racing career. He remains one of the most popular drivers among fans of Red Bull's junior programme for his willingness to seize opportunities at a moment's notice throughout his career.

Key Career Facts at a Glance

• Full name: Liam Jared Lawson
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Born: 11 February 2002, Hastings, New Zealand
• Team: Racing Bulls-Red Bull Ford
• Car number: 30
• F1 debut: 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
• Career starts: 40
• Career wins: 0
• Career podiums: 0
• Career pole positions: 0
• World Championships: 0