Liam Lawson has been reflecting on his journey of rebuilding an F1 career after securing confirmation of his VCARB seat for the 2026 season. Speaking on the KTM Summer Grill, the New Zealander looks back on his first full year in Formula 1 and the lessons taken from a demanding but fulfilling campaign.
Lawson describes the season as intense yet rewarding, pointing to seven points finishes and a much stronger second half of the year as proof of progress. He highlights key car developments introduced around the Austrian Grand Prix as a turning point that helped him find consistency and deliver more reliable results.
The 23-year-old also shares how meaningful it was to receive final confirmation of his future directly from team boss Alan Permane. He speaks about the satisfaction of performing when it counted, while stressing that pride in his achievements is balanced by a determination to keep pushing for improvement.
As the current F1 regulations draw to a close, Lawson discusses what he will miss about the existing cars and offers his early thoughts on the very different 2026 machinery. Despite the changes ahead, he insists the team’s immediate priority is finishing the current season on a high.
Away from the circuit, Lawson reflects on becoming one of New Zealand’s highest-scoring Formula 1 drivers and the support he receives from fans back home. He also touches on the wider influence of Kiwi racers worldwide, before turning his attention to Christmas plans, family time, and the possibility of a dirt track showdown with Shane van Gisbergen during the off-season.
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