Liam Lawson, the young New Zealand F1 driver, recounted how a “great overtake” in a racing series in New Zealand caught Helmut Marko’s attention, securing him a spot as one of the standout drivers in Red Bull’s junior program. This pivotal moment occurred during a time when Liam Lawson’s future in motorsport seemed uncertain.
After finishing second in the 2018 German Formula 4 Championship, Lawson found himself without a contract for the following season. He returned to New Zealand, where he competed in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, a prominent racing category previously known as the Toyota Racing Series.
How did Liam Lawson reach F1? His confession
“My story is crazy, the way everything worked out for me from a young age. I’m extremely lucky,” the New Zealander explained. Discussing his experience in the Toyota Racing Series, Lawson emphasized the significance of this championship.
“It was very popular. Even Lando Norris and Lance Stroll took part. It’s five weeks of racing in New Zealand during the summer, in cars similar to F3, while it’s winter in Europe, so everyone goes there to use it as a testing program,” he said.
With a limited budget and no clear prospects for 2019, Lawson approached the series as a last chance. “After the first weekend, we received the Red Bull contract. It was thanks to an overtake—literally, that overtake made sure I got noticed.”
Lawson also revealed that Lucas Auer, a Red Bull junior driver, was on his team during the series. “I remember seeing his Red Bull helmet and thinking, ‘Wow, that’s so cool—a Red Bull driver!’ And today, here I am.”
Now, Lawson is preparing to take the big step into Red Bull in 2025, where he will race alongside Max Verstappen following Sergio Perez’s departure. With a rapidly rising career and a contract that seemed out of reach just weeks ago, Lawson is ready to make his mark in Formula 1.
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