Liam Lawson Denies Supercars Wildcard Rumors, Expresses Future Interest

Racing Bulls F1 reserve driver Liam Lawson has clarified that recent rumors of him making a surprise Supercars wildcard appearance in New Zealand are unfounded, stating he was "blindsided" by the reports. However, the Kiwi driver expressed strong admiration for the Australian touring car series and left the door open for a future drive when his schedule allows.

Why it matters:

For a young driver like Lawson, whose primary goal is securing a permanent Formula 1 seat, managing speculation about racing in other categories is a delicate balance. Publicly shutting down immediate rumors maintains focus on his F1 duties, while expressing genuine interest keeps future opportunities alive and engages fans in both racing worlds. It highlights the modern F1 driver's potential to cross over into other premier motorsport categories, following a trend set by peers like Max Verstappen.

The details:

• Lawson said he discovered the rumors only after landing in New Zealand for a break, with his phone "blowing up" with messages assuming he was racing a Supercar the following week.
• He firmly stated there was "no real truth" to the speculation of a wildcard entry for the New Zealand Supercars round, which had been floated due to a gap in the F1 calendar.
• Despite denying the immediate prospect, Lawson was effusive in his praise for Supercars, calling the series "amazing" for preserving a raw, driver-centric formula.
  • He specifically highlighted the appeal of V8 engines, sequential gearboxes, three pedals, and the lack of driving aids like auto-blip, which requires drivers to manage more aspects of the car themselves.
• Lawson referenced his past positive experiences driving Supercars machinery, including sessions with Blanchard Racing Team and Triple Eight Race Engineering, saying he "just had a blast."
• He connected the idea to a broader trend, noting that driving different categories—as he did in DTM—sharpens adaptability and offers a different, more aggressive style of racing compared to F1.

What's next:

For the immediate future, Lawson's focus remains squarely on his Formula 1 role with Racing Bulls. He enjoyed a refreshing break in New Zealand, even sorting out a new passport, and is now set for the season's resumption at the Miami Grand Prix. While a Supercars cameo isn't happening now, his clear affinity for the category suggests it will be a serious consideration for any future racing opportunities outside the F1 calendar. His comments reinforce the growing links between the global F1 paddock and premier national series like Supercars.