Liam Lawson Sets His Sights on Bathurst 1000 as F1 Future Hangs in the Balance
In a thrilling revelation that has motorsport fans buzzing, Liam Lawson has expressed an undeniable desire to conquer the iconic Bathurst 1000, all while navigating a precarious future in Formula 1. The 23-year-old New Zealander is currently juggling the pressures of his racing career and the intense competition for a coveted seat with Red Bull Racing’s Faenza team. With teammate Isack Hadjar seemingly assured a spot alongside Max Verstappen next season, Lawson finds himself in a nail-biting battle for survival against rising star Arvid Lindblad.
As the drama unfolds in the world of F1, Lawson is taking a much-needed breather this weekend, swapping the high-speed circuits of Formula 1 for the legendary Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia. This revered track is set to host the much-anticipated Bathurst 1000, affectionately dubbed “The Great Race.” Lawson, who recently faced a challenging outing at the Singapore Grand Prix—finishing in a disappointing 15th place—seizes this opportunity to lend his support to childhood friend and fellow racer Matt Payne.
Reflecting on his ambitions, Lawson stated, “Yeah, definitely,” when asked if he would like to compete at Bathurst one day. He added, “After driving the F1 car around there, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to race at, and I would love to in the future. Even if it’s as a co-driver, I would love to do it.” This yearning stems from his experience driving a Red Bull RB7 around the legendary track during a show run prior to the Bathurst 12 Hours in 2023, which he described as “the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Lawson isn’t just a spectator; he’s a fervent supporter of Matt Payne, who races the #19 Ford Mustang for Grove Racing in the Australian Supercars series. The duo’s friendship dates back to their childhood, with Lawson crediting Payne as a key influence in his own motorsport journey. “One of my best mates, growing up racing him, so he’s my pick,” Lawson declared, showcasing the camaraderie that often fuels the spirit of racing.
However, the road to glory can be rocky. Payne faced a tough qualifying session at Bathurst, ultimately securing a P18 start for the race. Despite this setback, he’s crafting a formidable 2025 season, claiming multiple victories and currently sitting second in the championship standings—though he trails leader Broc Feeney by a staggering 345 points.
As the Bathurst 1000 approaches, eyes will be on both Lawson and Payne, with their futures hanging in the balance. Will Lawson secure his place in the high-octane world of Formula 1, or will he find his path leading him to the legendary curves of Mount Panorama? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the racing world will be watching closely as these two friends chase their dreams on the track.
