Red Bull driver Liam Lawson is gearing up for his first season start in Formula 1 and his inaugural race alongside teammate Max Verstappen. It’s a daunting prospect for the young New Zealander, who has so far only served as a substitute for the Visa RB affiliate team. After the extremely disappointing season of Sergio Pérez, it’s up to Lawson to prove during the Australian GP that he can indeed keep pace with Verstappen.
“I’m looking forward to my first weekend with the team,” responds Liam Lawson. The Australian GP promises to be an immediate baptism of fire for Lawson – the Albert Park Circuit presents a new challenge for the 23-year-old Formula 1 driver. “It’s my first weekend in Melbourne, so there’s a lot to look forward to,” he explains. “The team and I have been able to prepare well, which was fantastic. It was my first preseason in the sport, so it’s great to be able to take all that hard work to Australia this weekend.”Lawson explains that he was able to prepare well with the help of extensive simulator work. “That was very important to me, as was the time I spent with the technicians,” he elaborates. “This is a new crew for me, so I wanted to build a good rapport before the start of the season. Of course, it’s very exciting to start a new Formula 1 season. Moreover, this is the first time I’ll be racing in Australia. That being said, it’s close to home, so it feels like a home race for me.” Liam Lawson grew up in Hastings, New Zealand. “I can’t wait to get started as a Red Bull driver and give one hundred percent for the team and the fans all year round,” he concluded.
Liam Lawson and teammate Max Verstappen pose in their new racing suits for 2025.
