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Liam Lawson, the young F1 driver, will be making his debut this season. Currently, he is filling the spot as a stand-in driver for Alpha Tauri in the absence of Daniel Ricardo. The young driver who will be partnering with Yuki Tsunado recently shared a heartwarming story and his childhood connection with this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

This place holds a special significance for the New Zealand driver, who fondly recalls his father’s annual promise to attend the Singapore Grand Prix together. It’s a cherished tradition that embodies their deep bond and passion for motorsport. The young Kiwi noted to GPblog, “My dad used to promise me every year that he would take me to the Singapore Grand Prix, and in the end, we never went.” While that wish has taken its sweet to get fulfilled, it is pretty evident that the driver shares a loving relationship with his folks. In fact, his parents, Jared Lawson and Kristy Lawson, have been monumental figures when it comes to supporting their son’s F1 ambitions.

About Liam Lawson and his family’s unwavering support

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Born on February 11, 2002, in Hastings, New Zealand, Liam Lawson is the son of Jared and Kristy Lawson. Liam’s father played a pivotal role in igniting his passion for karting from an early age, serving as his coach and guiding force throughout his journey. Apart from that, his mother also provided unwavering support, forming a solid foundation for his burgeoning career. Their dedication knew no bounds, evident in their investment of nearly US$ 7 million, turning the dreams of a young New Zealander into the promising prospect of an F1 sensation.

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Sharing a childhood memory, Liam’s sister Jess said revealed to now to love, “Dad would take Liam out to the park in my little VW Polo and teach him practice starts in it.” She also recalled how their father imparted valuable racing techniques like dropping the clutch to her brother. Well, that training surely paid in dividends as the prodigy’s rapid progression saw him clinch the 2016 Formula Four championship at the young age of 15.

When it comes to Liam’s Lawson’s mother, Kristy Lawson, seems to have an interest in gardening. The mother-of-three can often be found amidst the lush bounty of watermelons, sweetcorn, and summer berries flourishing under her care. But that is not the only thing she focuses on as her son’s career is always at the top of her head. And her commitment to further her Liam Lawson’s racing career recently bore fruit as the driver emerged as a finalist in the Halberg Awards for New Zealand’s Best Sporting Moment, commemorating his remarkable top-10 finish at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix.

Kristy recently also shared Liam’s plan to return to karting on his 22nd birthday at the 2024 Kartsport Grand Prix after a brief break. This move symbolized her excitement and her son’s dedication to becoming a top F1 driver and reaffirm his commitment to his racing roots. Despite missing a permanent spot on the 2024 F1 grid, the New Zealand boy gained valuable experience by debuting in the Dutch Grand Prix last August, stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo. He’s emerged as one to watch, a source of pride for any mother. Nonetheless, Kristy emphasizes equal treatment among her children.

The young drive’s childhood passion for motorsport, backed by immense family support, culminated in a multi-layer driver contract with Red Bull on his 17th birthday. Despite missing out on conventional schooling having left school early to pursue a career in motorsports, Liam’s unwavering dedication to racing eclipses distractions, and his sights are set on realizing his dream of becoming an F1 driver.

Liam Lawson’s racing career so far

During his teenage years, Liam Lawson achieved notable triumphs in domestic and global competitions, paving his path into single-seater racing. Competing in prestigious championships like the FIA Formula 4 Championship, Toyota Racing Series, and Euroformula Open, he consistently showcased remarkable capabilities, clinching numerous podium finishes. Recognizing his exceptional prowess, the Red Bull Junior Team, renowned for nurturing promising drivers, welcomed him into their ranks, marking a significant milestone in his racing career.

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He progressed to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with the Hitech Grand Prix, competing against top global talents. He also ventured into DTM, a prestigious touring car racing series, demonstrating his versatility. Additionally, he showcased his adaptability by piloting a Ferrari 488 GT3, highlighting his prowess in diverse racing disciplines. Acknowledged as a standout emerging motorsport talent, his potential to make a mark in F1 has drawn significant attention.

Many observers foresee a promising path for him if he sustains his stellar performance in junior tiers. In the 2023 Super Formula Championship, he showcased his skills representing Team Mugen. Notably, the Kiwi driver assumed the reserve driver role for both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri F1 teams, further solidifying his presence in the elite motorsport scene. However, despite so many achievements at such a young age, the driver knows how to keep his head in the game and not let momentary success deter his vision for the long run. Recently, he also revealed which track he favors.

Liam Lawson’s shares his list of favoured tracks

Having observed the night-time spectacle of the Singapore race last year as a reserve driver, the young Kiwi anticipates the familiar yet daunting challenges ahead. Despite his simulator experience, he acknowledged that adapting on track remains his biggest hurdle. For a newcomer to F1, building confidence amidst unfamiliar territory proves to be a formidable task. Talking about his favorite tracks to race on, the young man told the GP blog, “Generally, I like street circuits, for example, I absolutely love Monaco, so I’m expecting to enjoy Singapore too.”

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The 22-year-old driver’s current focus is incrementally building his laps, akin to his target at Monza. He aims to replicate a similar approach, refining his technique and familiarity with the track. This strategic endeavour reflects his commitment to continuous improvement and optimization, which is essential in his journey towards mastering the circuits of F1. However, AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister team, needs a world championship, sitting last in the constructor standings.

Read More: Liam Lawson Reveals Christian Horner & Co. Ruined His “Special” F1 Stint

Anticipation builds as Liam Lawson gears up for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix. Who else is eagerly awaiting his performance? Share your excitement in the comments below!

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