Red Bull Racing and VCARB officially confirmed what the Formula 1 paddock had been anticipating during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend: Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB for the remainder of the 2024 season, beginning at the US Grand Prix in Austin. This announcement marks the continuation of a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old New Zealander, whose path to the top tier of motorsport has been anything but straightforward.
A Racing Journey Born from Sacrifice
Lawson’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and the unyielding support of his family. The young driver began his racing career in karting in New Zealand, quickly showcasing his talent in the local single-seater series. However, the road to Formula 1 was fraught with financial challenges, compelling his family to make unimaginable sacrifices to keep his dreams alive.
“My parents sold their house so that I could keep racing,” Lawson revealed on the Talking Bull podcast. “They gave absolutely everything for me to be able to race, even just go-karts because it’s so expensive. I didn’t finish high school or anything. Honestly, I was just excited to be able to go and chase my dream.”
The Hard Road to Recognition
Lawson’s racing career took a pivotal turn when he moved to Europe to compete in the German Formula 4 series, finishing second in the championship. Despite his impressive performance, no junior F1 programs picked him up, forcing him to return to New Zealand to compete in the Toyota Winter Series. It was during this series that Lawson’s fortunes began to change.
Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s driver consultant, initially had his eyes on another junior driver, Lucas Auer, but it was Lawson’s performance that caught his attention. Despite not having a clear path forward after his stint in Europe, Lawson’s impressive showing in New Zealand earned him a spot in Red Bull’s junior driver program, setting the stage for his eventual rise to Formula 1.
“I had a good season [in Europe], but I didn’t have any call-ups from any teams,” Lawson recalled. “I just did this championship in New Zealand’s over the off-season, with no plan of what I was doing in 2019. And then I got the call-up after that first weekend. I was sitting in a café – I remember exactly where I was sitting. I got told, and it was obviously pretty emotional.”
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Lawson’s journey through the Red Bull ranks saw him race in Formula 3, Formula 2, and DTM before moving to the Japanese Super Formula series in 2023, where he continued to impress. However, his big break came when he replaced Ricciardo at VCARB after the latter broke his hand during practice for the Dutch Grand Prix. Lawson’s impressive performances in his five-race stint last season proved his potential, but with Ricciardo’s return, Lawson was once again sidelined.
Now, Lawson has been handed another golden opportunity as he takes over Ricciardo’s seat for the rest of the 2024 season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future in Formula 1, Lawson remains determined to seize the moment and secure his place on the grid for 2025.
A Chance to Shine on the Big Stage
VCARB has not disclosed any details about Lawson’s status for the 2025 season, but the young Kiwi knows that the remaining six races of the season could be pivotal for his F1 career. “This is my shot at F1, and it’s come now. I need to take it with both hands,” Lawson stated, reflecting on the gravity of the opportunity before him.
As Lawson prepares to step back into the spotlight, his story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. From humble beginnings in New Zealand to the elite world of Formula 1, Liam Lawson’s journey is far from over—and the best may be yet to come.
