Liam Lawson, the young New Zealand racing sensation, is gearing up for one of the most exciting chapters of his career. Confirmed as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Lawson’s meteoric rise in motorsport has caught the attention of both fans and team officials alike. Team principal Christian Horner has hailed the 22-year-old as a “real racer,” and Lawson is set to make his debut in one of the fastest cars on the grid in Melbourne this March. But how did Lawson get here, and who are the key figures cheering him on?
A Rapid Rise in Motorsport
Born on February 11, 2002, in Hastings, New Zealand, Lawson’s passion for motorsport ignited at an early age. Growing up in Pukekohe, a region known for its motorsport heritage, he started karting at just seven years old. His natural talent quickly became evident, and by 2014, Lawson had claimed two karting titles. His early achievements set the stage for a career that would quickly climb through the ranks of competitive motorsport.
A Red Bull Protégé
Lawson’s path to Formula 1 has been shaped by his strong connection with Red Bull Racing, which first spotted his potential at a young age. As part of their prestigious junior driver program, Lawson rapidly progressed through various categories, achieving remarkable success at each stage. He won on debut in every series he entered, including Formula First, Formula Ford, Formula Four, Formula Three Asia, and the Toyota Racing Series.
His standout achievement came when he clinched the NZ F1600 Championship in his native New Zealand, establishing himself as one of the most promising talents in the sport. Lawson’s impressive junior series performances saw him quickly rise through the ranks, eventually earning a spot in Formula 2, where he continued to impress.
Formula 2 Success and Red Bull Promotion
In Formula 2, Lawson proved he had what it took to compete at the highest levels of motorsport. Racing for Carlin, he claimed four wins and numerous podium finishes, ultimately securing third place in the championship. This success paved the way for his promotion to Red Bull’s reserve driver and a spot with AlphaTauri, the sister team of Red Bull Racing.
First Formula 1 Taste
Lawson’s first real taste of Formula 1 came in 2023 when he stepped in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at the Dutch Grand Prix. In just his debut race, Lawson showed his maturity and skill by finishing in 13th place. Over the following races, Lawson continued to impress with consistent performances, culminating in a ninth-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, his best result of the season.
The young Kiwi’s performances in 2023 led to his permanent seat with Visa RB (formerly AlphaTauri) for the 2024 season after Ricciardo’s exit. Lawson continued his strong form in the final races of the 2024 season, achieving his joint-best result of ninth in both the United States Grand Prix and the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Facing the Challenge of Partnering Max Verstappen
As Lawson prepares for his upcoming role at Red Bull, he faces the daunting task of partnering with the four-time world champion, Max Verstappen. Verstappen is widely regarded as one of the best drivers in the history of Formula 1, and while Lawson has already shown his potential, the challenge of being Verstappen’s teammate is significant.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has expressed confidence in Lawson, calling him a “real racer” and emphasizing the talent and work ethic that the young driver brings to the team. However, Lawson himself admitted that the prospect of competing alongside Verstappen is both exciting and intimidating.
The High Stakes of Being Verstappen’s Wingman
History has shown that Red Bull Racing’s second seat is a tough one to fill. Drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and most recently, Sergio Perez, have all struggled to meet the demands of the role. Perez, in particular, was a reliable teammate for Verstappen for much of his tenure, helping the team win the Constructors’ Championship. However, his performance declined in recent seasons, leading to his departure and opening the door for Lawson to step in.
Lawson must now prove that he can be a reliable wingman for Verstappen while still making his own mark in Formula 1. With the power and prestige of Red Bull Racing behind him, Lawson has the opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest stage in motorsport.
Who Will Be Cheering Him On?
While Lawson’s rise to Formula 1 has been impressive, he’s not without his support system. A key figure cheering him on is his girlfriend, Hannah St. John, who has been a constant presence in his life. The pre-medical student has been dating Lawson since October 2022 and is frequently seen supporting him at races.
St. John, a 21-year-old student at Arizona State University, splits her time between California and London, where Lawson is based. With over 30,000 Instagram followers, she shares glimpses of their personal life and regularly updates fans on Lawson’s journey. St. John, who is expected to graduate in 2025, is one of the many people rooting for Lawson as he embarks on this next chapter of his career.
Conclusion
Liam Lawson’s journey from a young karting enthusiast in New Zealand to a full-time Formula 1 driver with Red Bull Racing has been nothing short of remarkable. As he prepares to partner with Max Verstappen in the 2025 season, Lawson faces a challenge that few drivers have successfully overcome. However, with his impressive track record and the support of his team and loved ones, he’s poised to make a significant impact in Formula 1.
As Lawson’s career continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the 22-year-old Kiwi as he takes on the biggest challenge of his racing life—competing alongside one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
