Liam Lawson

Liam Jared Lawson (born 11 February 2002) is a New Zealand racing driver who competes in Formula One for Racing Bulls. Born in Hastings and raised in Pukekohe, Lawson began competitive kart racing aged six. Lawson—who is mentored by three-time New Zealand Grand Prix winner Ken Smith—graduated to junior formulae in 2015, winning his first title in the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship as a privateer. He finished runner-up in the 2017 Australian F4, 2018 ADAC F4 and 2019 Euroformula Open championships, before winning the Toyota Racing Series in 2019 with M2. Lawson then progressed to FIA Formula 3 in 2020 before moving to FIA Formula 2 in 2021, where he placed third the following season with Carlin. He also competed in the 2021 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters for Red Bull AF Corse alongside Alex Albon, finishing runner-up to Maximilian Götz amidst a controversial finale. Lawson then competed in the 2023 Super Formula Championship, finishing runner-up to Ritomo Miyata with Mugen.
Full Name:
Liam Jared Lawson
Birthday:
11 February 2002
Birthplace:
Hastings, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Gender:
Male
Primary Series:
Car Number:
30

Liam Lawson Bio

Early Life and Background

Liam Jared Lawson was born on 11 February 2002 in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Raised in Pukekohe, a town known for its motorsport culture, Lawson began competitive kart racing at the age of six. His parents made significant sacrifices, including selling their home, to support his racing ambitions. Lawson’s early exposure to racing was further enhanced by his mentorship under Ken Smith, a three-time New Zealand Grand Prix winner.

Path to Formula One

Lawson’s motorsport journey began in earnest in 2015 when he transitioned to junior formulae. He achieved notable success in the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship, winning the title as a privateer. His career progressed through various championships, including runner-up finishes in the Australian F4, ADAC F4, and Euroformula Open. In 2019, he won the Toyota Racing Series, which solidified his reputation as a rising star in motorsport. Lawson made his debut in FIA Formula 3 in 2020 and advanced to FIA Formula 2 in 2021, where he showcased his talent and potential.

Liam Lawson Career

Early Career (2015–2019)

Lawson’s early career was marked by significant achievements in various junior categories. He debuted in the Formula First Manfeild Winter Series, where he secured a win and multiple podiums. In 2017, he moved to the Australian F4 Championship, finishing second in his rookie season with five wins. The following year, he competed in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship, again finishing as runner-up. His breakthrough came in 2019 when he dominated the Toyota Racing Series, winning the championship and establishing himself as a formidable competitor.

FIA Formula 3 Breakthrough (2020–2021)

In 2020, Lawson joined FIA Formula 3, where he made an immediate impact. His debut season included a podium finish at Silverstone, and he concluded the year as the highest-scoring driver for his team. The following year, he transitioned to FIA Formula 2, where he claimed his first victory in Bahrain, marking a significant milestone in his career. Lawson’s performances in F2 included multiple podiums, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.

Current Team Era (2023–Present)

Lawson made his Formula One debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri. He quickly adapted to the demands of F1, scoring points in his third race at the Singapore Grand Prix. In 2024, he continued with the rebranded Racing Bulls team, where he faced challenges but also demonstrated his potential. As of 2025, Lawson was promoted to Red Bull Racing, partnering with Max Verstappen, but faced difficulties that led to a return to Racing Bulls mid-season.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Lawson is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic racecraft. His ability to adapt quickly to different racing conditions and his strong race pace have made him a competitive driver in various series. Lawson’s experience in junior formulae has equipped him with the skills necessary to excel in Formula One.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Lawson’s career highlights include winning the Toyota Racing Series in 2019 and achieving multiple podiums in FIA Formula 2. His debut in Formula One marked a significant milestone, and he became the first New Zealander to score points in F1 since 2020 during the Singapore Grand Prix.

Liam Lawson Career Wins

Liam Lawson has achieved notable success across various racing series, with significant wins in junior categories and a growing presence in Formula One. His career is still in progress, with continued opportunities to add to his accolades.

Current Formula One Series Highlights

As of 2025, Lawson has participated in several races in the Formula One season, scoring a total of four points. His best performances include a ninth-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix and a competitive showing at the United States Grand Prix, where he finished ninth after starting from 19th.

Previous FIA Formula 2 Series Achievements

In FIA Formula 2, Lawson concluded the 2022 season with one victory and three podiums, finishing third in the championship standings. His consistent performances throughout the season established him as a top contender in the series.

Liam Lawson Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Liam Lawson comes from a supportive family that prioritized his racing career from a young age. His upbringing in Pukekohe, a town with a rich motorsport heritage, played a crucial role in shaping his passion for racing.

Personal Life

Details about Lawson’s personal life remain private, focusing primarily on his racing career and achievements. His commitment to motorsport and continuous improvement in his craft are evident in his professional journey.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Lawson, who started strong but faced difficulties in the opening races. After a series of underwhelming performances, he was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull Racing. However, Lawson returned to Racing Bulls, where he aims to regain his form and contribute to the team’s success. His resilience and determination will be key as he navigates the remainder of the season, seeking to build on his experiences and improve his standings in the championship.