Liam Lawson drives car #30 for Racing Bulls in 2026, New Zealand’s first full-time F1 racer in decades. Born in Hastings on February 11, 2002, he scored points on his debut at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix as a substitute for the injured Daniel Ricciardo, then impressed again in further substitute appearances in 2024 before earning his permanent seat.
Lawson’s path to F1 included strong campaigns in Formula 2 and DTM, demonstrating versatility across racing disciplines before his opportunities in Red Bull’s junior team machinery. He could deliver immediately with minimal preparation, scoring points and battling established drivers from his very first race weekend.
For 2026, Lawson takes on the team leader role at Racing Bulls alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad. The Red Bull junior team has a strong track record of developing future champions, and Lawson will be keen to demonstrate he deserves promotion to the senior squad. The new regulations give every team a reset, and Lawson’s aggressive driving style could produce standout results.
Lawson’s defining quality is his fearlessness. He races hard, defends harder, and has never looked overwhelmed regardless of the circumstances. His debut performances, stepping into a car mid-season with minimal testing, showed a driver who belongs on the grid. His technical feedback has also been praised by the engineering team.
New Zealand fans face some of the most challenging timezone offsets in F1. European races start between midnight and 02:00 NZST, demanding serious dedication. The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park is the most accessible, starting at 18:00 NZDT from Auckland. Check New Zealand time for all race time conversions.
At 24, Lawson has the talent and determination to follow the path of previous Red Bull junior team graduates who earned promotions to the senior squad. His 2026 season at Racing Bulls will be the proving ground for whether he can add his name to that list alongside Verstappen, Ricciardo, and Vettel.