Liam Lawson: A NZ Formula 1 race would be “very, very cool”

Liam Lawson has expressed his desire for a Formula 1 race in New Zealand, though he acknowledges the significant challenges, including the substantial investment required to make it a reality.

Speaking to Motorsport.com’s Emily Selleck earlier this month, the Red Bull Racing star was asked about the possibility of a New Zealand circuit being included in the Formula 1 calendar.

“Upgraded a little bit to FIA standard, but I would say probably not, but it’s something I would be very hopeful for, and whatever I could do to make that happen, I would definitely do that because I think it would be very, very cool,” he said.

“We have some really cool tracks. My favourite track in the whole world is in New Zealand, so if we could bring that up to FIA standard, then yeah…”

Lawson’s favourite track, Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell, currently holds an FIA Grade 3 license.

The FIA’s most recent circuit gradings, released on December 23, 2024, classified Highlands alongside Hampton Downs, Teretonga, Manfeild, Ruapuna, and Timaru, all with a Grade 3 designation.

Taupo has held a Grade 2 rating for several years, but shows as Grade 3 on the FIA’s latest list of licensed circuits, released on December 23.

These circuits are suitable for Category II Automobiles with a weight-to-power ratio between 2 and 3 kg/hp.

For context, the 2024 Gen3 Supercar, weighing 1,335 kg and running at 600 horsepower, fits this range with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.225 kg/hp.

A sub-category, Grade 3E, introduced in 2020, accommodates tracks eligible to host Formula E races.

Notably, Bathurst also holds an FIA Grade 3 license.

Only 38 circuits globally, spanning 45 layouts, meet the FIA’s Grade 1 standards required to host Formula 1 events.

Grade 1 tracks are designed for Groups D (FIA International Formula) and E (Free Formula) cars with weight-to-power ratios of less than 1 kg/hp.

In Australia, Albert Park is the only Grade 1 circuit, while the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, and three layouts of each of Sydney Motorsport Park, and The Bend Motorsport Park hold Grade 2 licenses.

Technically, World Endurance Championship races can be hosted on these circuits, although the weight/power ratio of a Hypercar is borderline of the weight/power ratio of between 1 and 2 kg/hp

For example, Toyota Gazoo Racing’s 2024 GR010 Hybrid has a total of 979 horsepower across engine and hybrid power, at a weight of 1040kg for a weight/power ratio of 1.06kg/1hp.

Achieving a Grade 1 rating requires tracks to meet strict criteria, including specific track dimensions and infrastructure.

For example, straights cannot exceed 2 km, and tracks must be at least 3.5 km long (except for Monaco at 3.337 km).

This excludes New Zealand circuits such as Manfeild (3.03 km), Ruapuna (3.33 km), Teretonga (2.61 km), and Levels (2.4 km). Taupo International Motorsport Park met the 3.5km requirement in 2006 but measures 3.321 km in its current layout.

Only Highlands Motorsport Park and Hampton Downs’ International layout meet the length criteria.

Numerous other factors, such as track width, pit lane capacity, gradients, banking, barriers, drainage, and the layout of critical sections like the first turn, are also considered for Grade 1 circuits.

Off-track facilities, including medical centres, media amenities, and fan accessibility, are also vital. Even elements such as the expertise of medical staff on hand at events, and medication available, are considered.

Hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix involves significant financial investment, with newer circuits often paying over USD 50 million for the privilege. The local infrastructure must also support the influx of fans, officials, and teams.

The 2023 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne saw an estimated 9,000 international visitors and 70,000 interstate attendees.

In contrast, New Zealand’s accommodation capacity poses limitations. For instance, Southland offers, commercially, approximately 2,690 rooms/apartments, 745 dorm beds, and 2,304 caravan/camping sites, according to Data Insights Southland Hub.

Auckland Unlimited state Auckland’s daily hotel inventory averaged 17,100 rooms in 2024 but remains far behind Melbourne’s 26,500, which operated at over 90% capacity during the Australian Grand Prix.

While no New Zealand circuits could cater anywhere near the crowd sizes seen at Albert Park- 452,055 across four days in 2024- once teams and officials had sourced accommodation, a long commute to circuits would be in order for a large contingent of fans.

Hampton Downs, scheduled to host a Supercars round in 2020, received consent to host 30,000 spectators. Consent for Hampton Downs was amended to allow up to 50,000 visitors per day in 2012 but never formally authorised. Tony Quinn took ownership of the track in 2015.

The 2024 ITM Taupo Super400 was a sellout on both Saturday and Sunday and brought 67,411 fans to Supercars’ inaugural event at Taupo International Motorsport Park across three days.

The 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix was estimated as one of the lowest-attended events on the Formula 1 calendar and still welcomed in 100,000 spectators over the weekend.

The logistical challenges and financial hurdles make a New Zealand Formula 1 race extremely unlikely in the foreseeable future.

Thankfully, the country continues to host world-class motorsport events, including the Supercars Championship and the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, which features the prestigious New Zealand Grand Prix.

For FIA World Championship circuit racing events, Formula E is seen as the most likely option, but even then, upgrades would be required.

A full list of FIA licensed circuits can be found attached.

Note: The latest FIA list does not include Levels on it, but Velocity News has confirmed with Motorsport NZ that it does meet FIA Grade 3 criteria.

Header Image: Red Bull Content Pool