Liam Lawson may be new to the Red Bull Racing F1 team, but he’s already making waves in NASCAR. The 23-year-old New Zealander went ballistic on the Ford Performance Technical Center simulator in Concord, North Carolina and now he’s saying he’d “love to race in America”.
From F1 to NASCAR Dreams?
During his visit, Lawson teamed up with NASCAR driver Noah Gragson who challenged him to a $20 bet: complete a simulated lap at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in under 2:20. Lawson not only won the bet — he smashed it, clocking in at 2:15. “You killed it, dude,” Gragson said, clearly impressed.
When asked if he’d actually race in NASCAR someday, Lawson didn’t hesitate. “Dude, I would love to race in America,” he grinned. “Yeah, 100%.”
For comparison, NASCAR driver William Byron posted a 2:09.636 lap at COTA in 2024 qualifying to win the pole. While Lawson’s lap time was on a simulator, his quick adaptation to stock cars has got many talking.
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Red Bull’s NASCAR Growth
More fuel to the fire is Red Bull’s recent NASCAR expansion. After a 14-year absence the energy drink brand announced they’re back in NASCAR as a primary sponsor for Trackhouse Racing drivers Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch. Van Gisbergen will wear the Red Bull colors in 5 races (Las Vegas, Sonoma, Iowa, Daytona and Kansas) while Zilisch makes his Cup debut at COTA.
With Red Bull’s growing NASCAR presence and Lawson’s quick simulator pace, fans are already speculating about a crossover. Could the Kiwi sensation jump from F1 to a NASCAR oval soon? Stranger things have happened in motorsport. He would also be joining fellow Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen on the grid.
Liam Lawson’s Rocky Start to the 2025 F1 Season
Lawson’s transition to the Red Bull F1 team hasn’t been smooth. He didn’t finish the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and is struggling at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix where he qualified last. “I need to get on top of it,” Lawson said, acknowledging his poor form. Red Bull have a habit of making quick driver changes when expectations aren’t met. Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly were demoted after not meeting the mark.
With his seat on the line, Lawson’s NASCAR talks might be more than just talk. Could a move to American stock cars be in his future if his F1 form doesn’t turn around?
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