Liam Lawson, a New Zealand-born racing driver, is currently competing full-time in Formula 1, a prestigious position he reached after years of dedicated training and impressive performances. Lawson’s journey into competitive racing began at the age of seven, with karting, which would eventually lead him through various racing series, culminating in his current role as a driver for Red Bull Racing and their sister team, formerly known as AlphaTauri.
Early Career and Progression in Racing
Liam Lawson’s entry into motorsport was grounded in karting, where he started his competitive journey at Mt Wellington kart track in Auckland. His skills were soon recognized, and by 2014, he had clinched national titles in New Zealand’s Cadet and Junior karting classes. In 2015, Lawson transitioned to single-seater racing, competing in the Formula First Manfeild Winter Series, where his remarkable performance earned him the Rookie of the Year award. His success continued as he moved to the New Zealand F1600 Championship Series in 2016, dominating the competition and becoming the youngest champion in the series’ history.
The following years saw Lawson’s rise on the international stage, with notable achievements in the Australian Formula 4 Championship, ADAC Formula 4 in Germany, and the Toyota Racing Series, where he won the championship in 2019. His consistent performance caught the attention of Red Bull, leading to his inclusion in the Red Bull Junior Team in 2019, which helped further accelerate his career in racing.
Formula 1 and Red Bull Racing
Lawson’s big break came when he was promoted to a full-time driver for Red Bull Racing’s sister team, after Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from the team in the 2024 season. His time in Formula 1 has been marked by strong performances, with notable finishes at the United States and Sao Paulo Grands Prix, where he scored valuable points. As of November 2024, he sits in 20th place in the Driver Standings with four points.
Personal Life and Background
Liam Lawson hails from a supportive family in New Zealand. Raised in Pukekohe, he was deeply influenced by his parents, Kristy and Jared, who made significant sacrifices to support his racing career. Jared recalls how challenging their lives became when Liam began karting, which often meant financial hardships. Despite these challenges, the family remained committed to Liam’s dreams, with Jared highlighting how crucial the SpeedSport Scholarship was in easing their journey.
Liam’s family consists of five siblings, with whom he shares a close bond. He has also found support in his relationship with Hannah St. John, a fellow motorsport enthusiast. Together, they share moments on social media, offering glimpses into their supportive and growing relationship.
Liam Lawson’s Net Worth and Endorsements
As of late 2024, Lawson’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, a figure largely attributed to his racing career, including his contract with Red Bull Racing and various sponsorships. His role as a Red Bull brand ambassador further contributes to his income, allowing him to leverage his status in Formula 1 to promote the company.
Career Stats and Future Prospects
Though still early in his Formula 1 career, Lawson has shown promise with impressive results across multiple racing series, including FIA Formula 2 and DTM. His career in Formula 1 is still evolving, and Red Bull has an option to retain him for the 2025 season, which could further solidify his place in the sport’s future.
Awards and Recognition
Liam Lawson’s dedication to his craft has earned him multiple accolades, including the Supreme Sportsman of the Year and Junior Sportsman of the Year awards in 2020, as well as recognition as New Zealand’s National Schools Champion in 2014. These achievements are a testament to his talent, hard work, and potential in motorsport.
