After a rollercoaster 2025 Formula 1 season, Kiwi star Liam Lawson is soaking up some well-deserved downtime back home in New Zealand.
Lawson, who experienced both highs and lows during his first full season in F1, is enjoying a short summer break with family, friends, and partner Hannah before heading to Spain for pre-season testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26-30.
While in New Zealand, Lawson has been busy giving back to the community and engaging in motorsport activities close to his heart.
The Red Bull-backed driver helped raise over $50,000 for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ by providing hot laps, auctioned in tribute to Louise Scott-Gallagher—a close friend of Highlands Motorsport Park CEO Josie Spillane, who tragically passed away from breast cancer earlier this year at just 44.
Lawson also got behind the wheel of a Bathurst-winning Supercar formerly raced by fellow Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen.
The Chevrolet Camaro, built by Triple Eight Race Engineering and owned by Tony Quinn, gave Lawson his second taste of a Gen3 Supercar, after laps in a Blanchard Racing Team Mustang at Albert Park in 2024.
Sporting the Red Bull Ampol Racing 2025 livery, Lawson described the car as “raw, very loud, and a lot of fun to drive,” praising its three-pedal, sequential-shifter setup.
The Supercar rides were more than just a thrill—they were part of the day that raised over $50,000 for charity, with Lawson also behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vulcan and Porsche GT3 for numerous hot laps.
He also vouched for Supercars’ action at Highlands. New Zealand will host two Supercars rounds for the first time in 2026, at Taupō and Christchurch’s Ruapuna.
“It’s sick around this track as well, lots of kerbs, camber, stuff like that. It would be amazing to see them race here one day,” Lawson added.
Away from the track, Lawson has enjoyed time on local golf courses, go-karting at Hampton Downs, motocross, and quality family moments, including Christmas celebrations with his niece and extended family.
He also caught up with Kiwi motorsport icons Nick Cassidy and Greg Murphy, blending relaxation with a touch of speed.
Reflecting on his F1 season with Racingnews365, Lawson revealed that learning to manage emotions was his biggest takeaway from 2025.
After a challenging start, when he began the year alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull before being moved to Racing Bulls after just two races, Lawson had to adapt quickly and was focused on not getting caught up in emotion.
“I think it’s important that you obviously reflect on each weekend and try to take the positives and learn from each weekend.
“But, yeah, to go through this many weekends and trying not to get stuck on something or caught up in emotion is very tough.”
Despite the setback, Lawson bounced back with consistent performances at Racing Bulls, scoring 38 points across 22 races, including a best finish of fifth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
In comparison, Yuki Tsunoda, who swapped seats with Lawson at Red Bull, scored 30 points.
Before the grand final in Dubai, Lawson was confirmed to stay with Racing Bulls, alongside new teammate Arvid Lindblad, while Lawson’s fellow teammate Isack Hadjar would be promoted to Red Bull, with Tsunoda stepping back into the reserve driver role.
Speaking to Swedish outlet Viaplay, Verstappen later acknowledged Lawson’s resilience, stating that two races at Red Bull were far too short to judge his potential.
“Because ultimately, someone is giving up their chance … yes, then you’re ruining [that chance] at a top team,” he said.
“I have to say that Liam has done well at Racing Bulls. You could also say, ‘just leave it, I don’t care anymore’, but two races is far too early to make a decision.
Looking ahead, Lawson’s next guest appearance will be at Hampton Downs for Round 2 of the NextGen NZ Championship and the opening round of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy from January 9-11.
Fans will have the chance to meet the country’s only F1 driver during multiple meet-and-greet autograph sessions, with Lawson supporting the ongoing initiatives of the Tony Quinn Foundation, for which he has been an ambassador since 2021.
“Liam is still the lad from Pukekohe who loves his home country, is a great ambassador for NZ motorsport, and loves to drive fast cars,” said NextGen NZ Championship CEO Josie Spillane.
“Having him at Hampton Downs in January will be a fantastic opportunity for fans to meet him before he heads back to Europe for the new season.”
After a season of lessons, challenges, and triumphs, Lawson’s New Zealand summer break has been a reminder of where it all began, a chance to give back, and a chance to recharge ahead of another exciting year at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Header Image: Supplied
