Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson will not race in New Zealand Supercars event

Racing Bulls reserve driver Liam Lawson will not make a cameo appearance in the Repco Supercars Championship in New Zealand during Formula 1's extended April break, despite earlier rumors. The New Zealander, who has impressed in his substitute role for the injured Daniel Ricciardo, will instead focus on his F1 duties after a strong start to the season that has seen him score points and climb to 10th in the standings.

Why it matters:

Lawson's performance has been a standout story in the early 2026 season, making him a hot topic for future race seats. His decision to skip a home-country racing opportunity underscores the intense focus and preparation required for a full-time F1 drive, a goal he is actively pursuing. For Racing Bulls, keeping their valuable reserve driver fully aligned with the F1 program is a strategic priority, especially with the competitive midfield battle heating up.

The details:

• Speculation emerged that Lawson would compete in the third round of the Supercars Championship at Taupō, New Zealand, following the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
• Other Drivers' Plans: In contrast, other F1 drivers are using the break for racing elsewhere. Max Verstappen is scheduled to participate in the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers, and Lance Stroll will drive an Aston Martin in the GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard.
• Lawson's F1 Form: The 22-year-old has capitalized on his opportunity with Racing Bulls, scoring his first championship points in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint and securing solid finishes of seventh in China and ninth in Japan.
• He currently sits 10th in the Drivers' Championship with 10 points, just two behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

What's next:

The Formula 1 season resumes with the Miami Grand Prix on the first weekend of May, where Lawson is expected to continue in his reserve/substitute role for Racing Bulls. His immediate future remains one of the paddock's most watched narratives, as his performances continue to build a compelling case for a permanent seat on the grid, whether at Racing Bulls or another team seeking his proven talent.