The F1 movie was released recently, and it made fans realise once more how emotional the sport can be. Beyond that, it also proved that there are other rising stars out there aside from the big guns like Hamilton.
And one of them is Liam Lawson from New Zealand.
How do these new guys compare to the old heads in terms of salary and net worth? The money is there for sure, with sponsorship from big tech companies and rich casinos across the globe, including New Zealand. This sponsorship becomes a win-win for both parties, money for Formula, exposure for the casino.
Sponsorship from large companies and casinos plays an important role in promoting sports, providing resources for teams while attracting spectator attention to brands. In this context, it is interesting to take a look at the review of low deposit casinos for NZ players, where you can assess which casinos offer favourable conditions for new users without getting involved in the gaming process itself.
Who is Liam Lawson?
Liam Lawson is a 23- year-old professional racing driver from Hastings, New Zealand. He climbed through karting, F3 and F2 before reaching Formula 1, where he races with the Racing Bulls team. His aggressive style and determination has made him a local favourite and even won him fans around the world.
Lawson has always loved racing and began competitive Kart Racing at the age of 6. Luckily for him, he was able to get mentored by one of New Zealand’s greats, Ken Smith, a three-time winner of the New Zealand Grand Prix. He won his first title in 2017 and eventually joined Red Bull’s Junior Team in 2019 before getting promoted to a full-time driver in 2025.
What is Liam Lawson’s net worth?
When Lawson was in Formula 2, he joked that he had made no money in racing at all. “I haven’t earned any money in my whole career… I have a net worth of zero,” he once said with a laugh.
However, that has changed since he got to Formula 1, and his wealth is still growing.
There’s no exact number when estimating an athlete’s fortune, but most financial profiles today put Liam Lawson net worth at around $1.5 million to $2 million as of 2025. Keep in mind that this number includes salary, bonuses, sponsorships, and other business ventures. It does not capture wealth from investments or future deals, which could grow quickly if Lawson continues to shine on the grid.
How much does Liam Lawson earn?
Now that we know Lawson’s net worth, let’s find out how much he makes annually.
Base salary
Formula 1 teams usually keep driver pay private. However, insiders suggest Lawson’s Liam Lawson salary as a full-time driver could be as much as $800,000 – $1 million USD per year from his contract with Racing Bulls or Red Bull’s related teams. This puts him well below top stars like Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton, but it’s still a significant pay cheque for a young driver.
Bonuses
Drivers can earn extra money through points bonuses, podium bonuses, and performance incentives. These aren’t always public, but they are common in contracts at this level. Liam Lawson has never finished on the podium but has 44 career points, which should come with some bonus. Especially when he became the second AlphaTauri driver to earn points for them in 2023, and the sixth Kiwi ever to earn points in Formula 1.
Endorsements are also sure to be a part of how much Liam Lawson makes. Brands tied to his racing image also boost his income beyond the track.
Sponsorship and external support
The primary support of Liam Lawson’s career, especially when starting out, is his parents. They even sold their house in New Zealand to fund his career.
Like Maya Angelou said, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.”
Lawson’s career shows passion matters just as much as pay.
When he started finding his feet and winning Championships like the New Zealand Formula-Ford in 2016-17 and the Toyota Racing Series in 2019, he could divert the prize money to further his career.
Lawson’s rise has been supported by both corporate partners and private backers, including New Zealand groups that helped fund his early career. These relationships remain part of his broader income and brand appeal.
Conclusion
Liam Lawson’s path from New Zealand karting to Formula 1 is one of passion, grit, and steady financial growth. While Liam Lawson’s salary and net worth are modest compared to the sport’s biggest stars, his story is still inspiring.
He earns through racing contracts, bonuses, and endorsements. And with talent on his side, he may secure even bigger deals in future seasons.
Whether you’re tracking Formula 1 finances or exploring leisure options, Lawson’s journey shows that steady progress matters as much as big numbers. Lawson proves success looks different for everyone, and it often starts with love for what you do.
