Curious about where Liam Lawson started before becoming a F1 driver? Follow his career step by step through these lines.
Liam Lawson is establishing himself as one of the most promising young drivers of his generation. Born in New Zealand, he has showcased his talent in every category he entered. His rapid rise eventually brought him to Formula 1. He then fulfilled a childhood dream he now pursues with determination.
How did Liam Lawson start his career?
From his early karting days in Auckland, Lawson dreamed of speed and victories. His talent quickly became evident, which earned him the SpeedSport Scholarship, which opened the door to professional racing in New Zealand.
The young driver achieved numerous feats in his first competitions. At just 15, Liam Lawson dominated Formula Ford, winning 14 out of 15 races. He then moved on to the Australian Formula 4 Championship, where he won right from his first races. And that cemented his status as an exceptional talent.
Which successes in Europe shaped the driver?
At 16, Lawson joined ADAC Formula 4 in Germany, where he finished as vice-champion and best rookie driver. The following year, he moved to England to compete in Euroformula Open and FIA Formula 3, where he piled up podiums and victories.
Several performances made him stand out among the new generation of drivers. He won the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand and scored multiple wins in new categories from the start. These consistent successes earned him a spot in the prestigious Red Bull Junior Team.
How did he shine in F2 and DTM?
Formula 2 played a key role in Liam Lawson’s journey. In 2021, as he raced with Hitech GP, he won the opening race in Bahrain. Regular podium finishes confirmed his adaptability and his raw talent in single-seaters.
The DTM championship brought another challenge. Racing with AF Corse in a Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo, Lawson finished as vice-champion in his very first season. This highlighted his versatility across very different types of cars.
How did Liam Lawson reach Formula 1?
In 2023, Lawson stepped in at AlphaTauri to replace Daniel Ricciardo after the Australian driver’s injury. Despite limited preparation, he finished his first race in 13th place. He then made a strong impression right from his F1 debut.
Even as a rookie, Lawson delivered outstanding performances in his early races. He actually competed in four more Grands Prix and achieved his best result with a ninth place in Singapore. His consistency and composure under pressure reinforced his reputation as a reliable and talented driver.
What future awaits him at Red Bull?
How did Liam Lawson land a seat with Red Bull Racing? He first joined as a reserve driver, before being chosen to replace Sergio Pérez in 2025 alongside Max Verstappen. This marked the peak of his meteoric rise.
Naturally, his career has also faced setbacks. Despite his promotion, the young New Zealander struggled to fully establish himself. After only two race weekends, he returned to AlphaTauri, replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.Even so, Liam Lawson’s career path remains impressive for such a young driver, and his story is far from over.