Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls F1 Driver & Racing Career

Liam Lawson has taken one of the more unusual routes onto the Formula 1 grid. The New Zealand driver made his unexpected F1 debut as a substitute in 2023, earned a full-time opportunity with the Red Bull family, experienced a rapid promotion and demotion in 2025, and then rebuilt his position at Racing Bulls.

In 2026, Lawson has continued that progression. After establishing himself as a regular points scorer with Racing Bulls, he was called up to Red Bull Racing for three Grands Prix while Isack Hadjar recovered from injury. He has now returned to Racing Bulls for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.

Who Is Liam Lawson?

Liam Lawson is a New Zealand Formula 1 driver racing under the Red Bull junior programme. He was born on February 11, 2002, in Hastings, New Zealand, and races with car number 30.

His junior career included race-winning performances across multiple categories, including Formula 2 and Super Formula. His F1 opportunity arrived unexpectedly when Daniel Ricciardo suffered a hand injury during the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weekend. Lawson stepped into the AlphaTauri seat and immediately began building his reputation.

Liam Lawson's Formula 1 Debut

Lawson made his Formula 1 debut at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

The circumstances were unusual: he had very little preparation before being placed into an F1 car. Despite the difficult conditions, Lawson completed the weekend and then produced one of the highlights of his early F1 career at the following race in Singapore.

At the Singapore Grand Prix, Lawson reached Q3 and finished ninth, scoring his first Formula 1 points.

His early performances showed why Red Bull had invested in him as part of its young-driver programme.

From Red Bull Junior to Racing Bulls

Lawson remained part of the Red Bull driver programme and returned to an F1 race seat later in 2024 when Ricciardo was replaced.

His performances helped him secure a full-time Red Bull Racing seat for the beginning of the 2025 season.

However, the 2025 season became a major turning point.

Lawson began the year alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing but returned to Racing Bulls after only two Grands Prix. Formula 1's official records show that his 2025 season ultimately included seven points-scoring finishes with Racing Bulls, including a career-best P5 in Azerbaijan.

Rather than ending his F1 journey, the experience became part of Lawson's development.

Liam Lawson's 2026 Season

The 2026 season has given Lawson a more consistent platform.

He joined Racing Bulls as a full-season driver alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad and became an important part of the team's midfield campaign.

According to the official Formula 1 standings after 14 Grands Prix, Lawson has:

 

His 59 points place him ahead of his Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad, who has 31 points after the same number of Grands Prix.

Racing Bulls and Lawson's Consistency

One of the notable aspects of Lawson's 2026 campaign has been his consistency.

Before being called up to Red Bull in August, he had established himself as one of Racing Bulls' regular point scorers. Formula 1 reported that he had scored in six of seven races immediately before his Red Bull return.

That consistency was particularly important for Racing Bulls as the team competed for position in the Constructors' Championship.

The team's 2026 car is the VCARB 03, powered by Red Bull Ford, with Racing Bulls based in Faenza, Italy.

Liam Lawson Returns to Red Bull in 2026

Lawson received another unexpected Red Bull opportunity in August 2026.

Isack Hadjar suffered a wrist injury during the summer break and missed the Dutch, Italian and Madrid Grands Prix. Lawson was selected to replace him in the Red Bull Racing seat, while Yuki Tsunoda temporarily took Lawson's Racing Bulls seat.

The three-race stint produced:

• Dutch Grand Prix — P7
• Italian Grand Prix — P14
• Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid — P6

Lawson therefore scored points in two of his three Red Bull appearances.

Back to Racing Bulls for Azerbaijan

For the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar returned to the Red Bull Racing lineup after recovering from his injury.

That meant Lawson returned to Racing Bulls and back to the VCARB 03. Red Bull publicly thanked Lawson for his work during the three-race replacement period.

Lawson said that he was looking forward to returning to his Racing Bulls car and continuing the points-scoring momentum he had built during the first part of the season.

Liam Lawson's Racing Style

Lawson's career has been defined by adaptability.

He has had to compete in different cars, step into F1 seats with little preparation and adjust quickly to changing circumstances.

His experience includes:

• Formula 2
• Super Formula
• AlphaTauri
• Racing Bulls
• Red Bull Racing
• Multiple F1 substitute appearances
• Full-time F1 seasons

Formula 1 currently lists Lawson with 49 Grand Prix entries, 103 career points and two career-best fifth-place finishes.

Why Liam Lawson Is an Interesting F1 Story

Lawson's F1 journey demonstrates how quickly opportunities can change in Formula 1.

His first opportunity came unexpectedly in 2023. His first full-time Red Bull opportunity arrived in 2025, followed by a return to Racing Bulls. In 2026, he established himself as a regular points scorer before receiving another unexpected Red Bull call-up.

His latest Red Bull stint added two more points-scoring finishes to his career and gave him additional experience in the RB22 before returning to Racing Bulls.

Liam Lawson F1-Inspired Racing Apparel

Fans interested in Liam Lawson and modern Formula 1 can explore F1-inspired racing apparel and motorsport clothing at Apex Karting Gear.

The collection can include racing suits, jackets, gloves and other motorsport-inspired products designed for fans and enthusiasts.

Note: Apex Karting Gear products described as inspired, replica or fanwear should not be represented as official Formula 1, Racing Bulls or driver merchandise unless specifically licensed or authorized.

Explore related collections:

• F1 Racing Suits
• F1 Racing Jackets
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• Karting Gloves
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Frequently Asked Questions

What number does Liam Lawson use in F1?

Liam Lawson races with number 30. Formula 1 notes that he has used the number since his karting days.

What country is Liam Lawson from?

Liam Lawson is from New Zealand and represents New Zealand in Formula 1.

Which F1 team does Liam Lawson drive for in 2026?

Lawson races for Racing Bulls in 2026. He temporarily drove for Red Bull Racing for three Grands Prix while Isack Hadjar was recovering from injury, before returning to Racing Bulls.

How many points does Liam Lawson have in 2026?

After 14 Grands Prix, Lawson has 59 points, placing him ninth in the Drivers' Championship at that point in the season.

What is Liam Lawson's best F1 race result?

His career-best Formula 1 race finish is fifth place, achieved twice.