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Lawson’s parents paved his way to F1: ‘They still don’t own a home'
Mar 12, 2025
Liam Lawson stands on the cusp of a lifelong ambition this weekend, revving up as Max Verstappen’s new teammate at Red Bull for his first full season in Formula 1.
At just 23, the New Zealander has clawed his way to the pinnacle of motorsport, a journey fueled by raw talent, relentless determination – and the crucial sacrifices of his parents.
Their story isn’t one of lavish paddocks or silver spoons; it’s one of a family that gave up everything, including the very roof over their heads, to chase their son’s dream.
Even now, as Lawson prepares to race among the elite, his parents remain without a home of their own—a fact that weighs heavily on his heart.
“They still don’t own a house,” Lawson told GQ. “Because of me.”
A Shaky Start and a Father’s Leap of Faith
Lawson’s racing odyssey began humbly, far from the glitz of Formula 1. At seven, he strapped into a kart in New Zealand, only to finish dead last in every race of his debut season.
The sting of defeat didn’t deter him—it sharpened his resolve. Soon, he zeroed in on the culprit: his subpar equipment.
“I think I complained to my dad for more than a year about my kart,” he recounted. “I’d tell him that the engine sucked, but he just secretly thought that I sucked.”
His father, though skeptical, listened. For over a year, the young Lawson’s pleas echoed in their home until, finally, his dad relented.
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