A new documentary detailing New Zealand race car driver Liam Lawson’s climb to the pinnacle of the motorsport ladder, Formula 1, has been released on Red Bull TV today. And it’s not one to be missed by any Kiwi race fan.
Called ‘Liam Lawson: In the Wings’, the film takes us through the 21-year-old’s lifelong pursuit of speed, which started behind the wheel of a go-kart at the age of six.
“Formula 1 has always been and still is 100 per cent the dream. It’s the only thing I’ll ever be satisfied with. A successful career is Formula 1 World Champion,” says Lawson.
In August last year, Lawson was competing in the highly competitive Super Formula in Tokyo, Japan, before being unexpectedly thrust into his first Formula 1 debut following Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo’s unfortunate hand injury, giving the Kiwi a near-impossible chance to show the world that he has what it takes to have a seat in the Formula 1.
The documentary gives viewers a rare look into Lawson’s Super Formula season and Formula 1 debut – the struggles, the determination, and his limitless appetite to get a permanent Formula 1 seat; all while juggling competing in Super Formula to win the championship.
“Doing well in Super Formula is massively important if you want a chance at Formula 1 – it’s the closest [racing series] by far to Formula 1 and is the championship that Red Bull likes to send their drivers to as that last little stage of evaluating before Formula 1”, added Lawson.
“In The Wings is a behind-the-scenes look at the season that shows how tough it really is and how much is involved. When you watch these racers, you don’t always realise how much goes on or what it’s like behind the wheel. There’s an incredible amount of pressure to perform at Formula 1 while the whole world is looking at you.”
The 30-minute documentary shows the highlights and lowlights from on the track and in the garage, offering intimate, never-before-seen footage of Liam with his family, partner and teammates that gives viewers insights into the sacrifices, support and unwavering effort required for his pursuit to become a world champion.
“My whole family sacrificed a huge amount for me to be able to do what I’m doing now,” he shares in the doco. “It all comes back to my family and us starting this together. It’s not just my dream, but it’s a big accomplishment for my family as well.”
During his biggest and most important season to date, he invited cameras behind the scenes to share the journey and get to know him as the humorous, down-to-earth Kiwi that he is.
The Red Bull TV documentary ‘Liam Lawson: In the Wings’ is available to watch now on Red Bull TV.
