Liam Lawson’s path through the world of Formula 1® has been marked by determination, adaptability, and a strong support system beyond the racetrack. Since his debut in 2023, the New Zealander’s journey has involved stepping into challenging roles, family sacrifices, and a personal life that balances the intense demands of the sport.
Lawson first entered the Formula 1® scene as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, taking part in five races during the 2023 season. His early career was characterized by intermittent opportunities, including a return in late 2024 to fill in for Ricciardo for the remainder of that season. In 2025, Lawson was promoted to Red Bull Racing but was moved to Racing Bulls after two races. Currently, in 2026, he holds a full-time seat at Racing Bulls and has scored points in eight of the 11 Grands Prix so far.
His progression has involved significant personal and family commitments. Lawson’s family made notable sacrifices to support his racing ambitions, including selling their home and setting aside their own goals. Interestingly, his father, who was not initially familiar with motorsport, played a unique role in teaching him the basics of driving during his childhood. At 16, Lawson moved to Europe to advance his single-seater career and joined the Red Bull Junior Programme in 2019.
One pivotal moment in Lawson’s career came in 2023 when, following a crash that sidelined Ricciardo, he directly approached Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko to push for a Formula 1® opportunity. His initial races demonstrated his capability, including a notable qualifying performance in Singapore where he outqualified Max Verstappen. Despite the competitive nature of seat allocations, Lawson has maintained a professional outlook, viewing the competition as purely sporting without personal conflict over replacing Ricciardo.
Off the track, Lawson’s interests include dirt biking, a passion he has nurtured since childhood. He has even constructed a personal dirt track in New Zealand, offering a space to unwind and stay connected to his roots. This aspect of his life provides a contrast to the high-pressure environment of Formula 1® and reflects a broader balance in his personal circumstances.
Lawson’s story, as featured in the Formula 1® TV series “Off The Grid,” offers fans a closer look at the life of a driver beyond the race weekends. It highlights the challenges and support systems that shape a driver’s career, emphasizing the human side of the sport often unseen by the public.
As Lawson continues his 2026 season with Racing Bulls, his journey underscores the complexities of breaking into and establishing oneself in Formula 1®. His experiences reflect both the competitive demands of the sport and the personal resilience required to navigate its challenges.
