Liam Lawson’s route into Formula 1 included several long waits and sudden opportunities. The Racing Bulls driver has now explained how his family supported that journey from New Zealand.
His parents sold their house while he was still racing karts. His sisters also stepped back from international dance. Those choices helped Lawson continue in a sport with high travel and equipment costs.
The first European seasons required a family decision
Lawson began racing far from the main European single-seater system. Moving from New Zealand demanded money, travel and a major change in daily life.
His father did not come from a professional motorsport background. He still helped Lawson learn braking points during wet karting sessions.
Lawson recalled his father standing beside a corner and moving the marker later each lap. The exercise continued until the young driver finally braked too late.
Those early lessons were simple, but the wider commitment was substantial. Family holidays and other plans were reduced to keep the karting programme active.
Lawson moved to Europe at sixteen. He finished second in German Formula 4 during 2018 and joined the Red Bull Junior Programme one year later.
Red Bull support provided a clearer route through the junior categories. It did not guarantee a Formula 1 seat or remove the pressure of every season.
A difficult weekend in Japan created real doubt
Lawson competed in Japan’s Super Formula series during 2023. He entered the Motegi round with a realistic chance of fighting for the title.
A crash damaged that campaign and changed his outlook. Lawson said he began to question whether Formula 1 would ever become available.
He had spent several years inside the junior programme without receiving a firm answer. The season was advancing, while the senior seats appeared occupied.
Lawson travelled to Zandvoort and requested a direct meeting with Helmut Marko. He asked why Red Bull had invested in him without providing an opportunity.
The conversation ended without a clear promise. A few hours later, Daniel Ricciardo injured his hand in a practice accident at the same circuit.
Red Bull then reviewed its available replacements. Marko asked Lawson whether he was ready, and the New Zealander immediately accepted the chance.
Five races showed that Lawson could score points
Lawson replaced Ricciardo for five Grands Prix in 2023. The limited programme placed him into competition without a normal preseason or full preparation.
He reached the final qualifying segment in Singapore. His lap also removed Max Verstappen from the session before Lawson scored his first Formula 1 points.
Ricciardo returned after recovering, and Lawson moved back to a reserve role. He spent much of the next year asking for another racing opportunity.
A full return arrived late in 2024 after Red Bull ended Ricciardo’s time with the team. Lawson then completed the remaining events beside Yuki Tsunoda.
Red Bull promoted him to its senior team for 2025. The move lasted only two races before he returned to Racing Bulls.
Lawson rebuilt his position rather than leaving the grid. During 2026, he has scored points in eight of the first eleven Grands Prix.
Life away from the circuit remains connected with riding
Lawson spends part of his free time riding dirt bikes. The activity has interested him since childhood and remains separate from Formula 1 work.
He built a small dirt track at home in New Zealand. A normal day there may combine several riding sessions with a visit to the gym.
Dirt riding uses balance, reactions and control on a changing surface. Lawson described the activity through enjoyment rather than a formal training programme.
His current Formula 1 career still contains fewer than fifty starts. Those appearances have been spread across four seasons and several different roles.
The interrupted record explains why his experience feels longer than the raw total. He has been a replacement, reserve, Red Bull driver and Racing Bulls regular.
The strongest part of his 2026 season is regular scoring. It provides clear evidence after the family sacrifices and uncertain years that brought him to Europe.
Several roles shaped Lawson before a stable season arrived
Lawson’s route did not move directly from junior racing into a permanent seat. Reserve duties repeatedly separated his competitive appearances.
His first Formula 1 start came because Daniel Ricciardo was injured. Lawson had little preparation before joining an active race weekend.
Five starts in that period gave teams a first comparison at Grand Prix level. He later waited again after Ricciardo returned.
Another opportunity arrived when the team changed drivers late in 2024. Lawson then completed the final races beside Yuki Tsunoda.
The short Red Bull spell in 2025 added another difficult change. Returning to Racing Bulls required him to rebuild confidence during the season.
Eight scoring finishes from eleven races in 2026 provide his most consistent sequence. They also explain why the earlier family decisions remain important.
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