Liam Lawson expresses desire to race 'raw' Supercars alongside F1 career

Liam Lawson has clarified that recent rumors of him racing in the Australian Supercars championship were an April Fools' joke, but the Red Bull reserve driver revealed a genuine, long-held ambition to compete in the series he grew up watching. He praised Supercars for keeping their machinery "raw" and expressed a clear interest in extracurricular racing when his schedule allows, highlighting the value of driving different cars to maintain adaptability.

Why it matters:

For an F1 driver, especially a reserve aiming for a full-time seat, participating in other racing disciplines is a double-edged sword. It showcases versatility and keeps race sharpness high, but also carries inherent risk. Lawson's openness reflects a modern driver's mindset where cross-discipline experience is increasingly valued, and his specific praise for Supercars' traditional, driver-centric formula underscores a broader appreciation for pure racing within the paddock.

The details:

• Lawson returned to New Zealand during F1's spring break, which coincided with Supercars events in Taupo and Christchurch, sparking unfounded media speculation about a guest appearance.
• He confirmed the rumors stemmed from an April Fools' joke that gained traction while he was traveling and out of contact.
• Despite the false alarm, Lawson has real-world experience in Supercars machinery, having driven both a Triple Eight Race Engineering Chevrolet Camaro and a Blanchard Racing Team Ford Mustang.
• He highlighted the specific appeal of Supercars' technical regulations, noting their continued use of V8 engines, sequential gearboxes, and the absence of driver aids like paddle shifts or auto-blip, which places greater demand on driver skill.
• Lawson also referenced his 2021 DTM campaign, where he finished as runner-up, noting how the more aggressive touring car style—"throwing some dive bombs, slamming some doors"—offered a refreshing contrast to F1's precision.

Looking ahead:

While a Supercars outing isn't imminent due to his primary focus on F1 duties with Visa Cash App RB, Lawson's comments leave the door open for future opportunities. His connection to Triple Eight co-owner and backer Tony Quinn provides a logical pathway. For now, his immediate focus is on simulator work and preparation for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, utilizing the break to ensure he's ready to capitalize on any potential F1 opportunities that arise this season.