Liam Lawson to Headline New Zealand Motorsport Event Before F1 Season

Liam Lawson, New Zealand's sole representative on the Formula 1 grid, will make a special appearance at the Hampton Downs motorsport event in January. The Racing Bulls driver is set to be a major drawcard for fans, offering a rare chance to meet him before he departs for Europe and the start of the pre-season.

Why it matters:

Lawson's visit is more than just a celebrity appearance; it's a significant moment for New Zealand motorsport. It reinforces his deep connection to his home country's racing scene, where he began his journey, and provides a powerful source of inspiration for the next generation of drivers competing in the same series he once dominated.

The details:

• Event Focus: Lawson will attend the Allied Petroleum Hampton Downs International from January 9-11, coinciding with the season opener for the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship.
• Fan Engagement: Scheduled autograph sessions will be held throughout the weekend, giving local supporters a direct opportunity to interact with their F1 hero.
• A Homecoming: Lawson has a strong history with the Toyota single-seater series, having won the championship in 2019 and finished as runner-up in 2020, a key stepping stone to his F1 career.
• Giving Back: His appearance also supports his role as an ambassador for the Tony Quinn Foundation, a position he has held since 2021, highlighting his commitment to charitable causes in his home country.

What's next:

The Hampton Downs event marks Lawson's only public motorsport-related appearance before the crucial F1 pre-season testing period gets underway. He will head into his 2025 campaign with Racing Bulls, having recently been re-signed for the 2026 season where he will be teammates with rising star Arvid Lindblad, who will also be competing in the Formula Regional series at the same event.