28 Aug 2023

New Zealander Liam Lawson makes F1 debut

From Morning Report, 7:52 am on 28 August 2023

New Zealand's Liam Lawson made his Formula 1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix overnight, overcoming a rear start and wet conditions to place 13th.

He was a late call up to race for Alpha Tauri after Australian fan favourite Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand during the second practice session on Saturday morning.

This makes Lawson the 10th New Zealander to race in Formula 1, joining greats like Bruce McLaren, former World Champion Denny Hulme, and Chris Amon.

Lawson has been racing in Japan in Super Formula, the Red Bull driver impressing in his debut season in a series hailed as the closest thing to Formula 1.

Commentator and broadcaster Stephen McIvor spoke to Corin Dann.