It may come as a surprise to many fringe Formula One fans, or those who’ve become attracted to the glitz and glamour of the F1 circus through Netflix’s Drive to Survive and now Liam Lawson’s confirmed drive with Red Bull’s RB team.
Lawson is NOT a millionaire and has NOT become an overnight rich lister with his new F1 deal.
In fact Lawson earns, through Red Bull, less than a base salary for a Super Rugby player in New Zealand. Yes, a young motor racing driver watched by 100 million viewers plus each race earns, at the moment six figures, just and he’s only started being paid this year.
Out of that the 22-year-old pays his own costs, including accident and medical insurance, his F1 driving licence fee, his own apartment rent in England and living costs. He pays for a physical trainer, a dietician and a sport psychologist, among other bills. Lawson has corporate and private backers out of New Zealand who top up his wages, just so he can survive to drive.
His mum Kristy Lawson explained the situation to 1News.
"We don't bring any big sponsorship money with us so it's literally gone down to his fantastic driving skills that's why he's here."
The 22-year-old's been given a drive at the Red Bull-owned RB team for the rest of the season. (Source: 1News)
Among Lawson’s corporate backers are The Giltrap Group, Turners Cars, Porter Group hire company, along with North Canterbury based Rodin Cars and owner, motor racing philanthropist David Dicker. With Highlands Park and Hampton Downs owner, businessman Tony Quinn also on that list.
Some of his private backers include Christchurch based husband and wife, racing enthusiasts, Dennis and Debbie Chapman. Dennis is a long time technology and electronics entrepreneur.
Lawson has set up a company where private investors will be paid back what they’ve put in, plus some. Similar to the band of business people who helped launch the career of Indy Car champion Scott Dixon.
The one man who the Lawson’s give a huge amount of credit to, is Canterbury based motor racing mentor Grant McDonald. The former journalist and broadcaster has been involved with drivers funds and helping young talent for years, becoming Lawson’s manager a decade ago. McDonald and two others head Lawson’s board.
Liam Lawson’s dad Jared added some background.
"Grant's been with him ever since mentoring him, guiding him, you know teaching him, dealing with media, dealing with sponsors helping pull that network of people together to a point now where there's a tight-knit group of people basically running what he does commercially. He's very lucky.
"Liam’s first season in Australia in Formula Four. We were doing that round by round and it was only the fact really that Grant being as tenacious as he is and going out and getting money to try and support him that we could continue round to round," Jared Lawson said.
Mum Kristy also had some more tales from how her son got underway with support from McDonald.
"He changed jobs so he could spend more time on Liam, he lives down in Christchurch, he's just the most under assuming angel I think.
"He would put together these really cool sponsor booklets and they were they were so well done and Grant literally would just take them around to businesses and just you know pour his heart and soul into you know trying to trying to convince him that Liam was the real deal".
The Lawson’s estimate corporate and private backers have poured around $10 milllion over the past decade. Kiwi backers helped fund his million dollar campaign in F3 and F2, with Red Bull covering a chunk as well.
Turners Automotive Group, CEO Todd Hunter talked about their support.
“We've been supporting him since 2018, we were introduced to Liam through our chairman, Grant Baker. Right from the start we were a little bit enamoured with him in some sense. He's just such a grounded guy, a real steel and grit to him. Someone I think who has never forgotten about the support that he's had and where he's come from and the people that have backed him."
Lawson doesn’t have a rich parent to back him, like many F1 drivers. Canadian Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin team is owned by his billionaire father Lawrence. Stroll senior used to be majority owner of Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren clothing. The father of McLaren’s Lando Norris is on Great Britian’s rich list.
"A lot of them, they all fly on their private helicopters and yeah, money’s no problem, not an issue," Kristy Lawson said.
Dad Jared manages a logistics freight company at Auckland Airport.
“I think now because of where the budgets are, that it's even more difficult these days to get in. Whereas back in the 1960s, with Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme and others it was probably easier in a way.
“Once you're in a seat, you've got to prove yourself and stay on that grid until you get to your next contract, where it's all about value. Where they need to re-sign you and they'll pay you some big dollars.”
But for the Lawson’s, their five kids, their down to earth, but win at all costs middle son Liam, it’s never been about the money. It’s more about the incredible backing and their son’s talent.
"I don't remember there being a huge amount of conflict, only the normal brother and sister stuff, but he was always the loudest. Even then, all the games they played, he'd have to win, and they'd have to play his games or to his rules," mum Kristy said.
"Liam can handle the attention and pressure and all the hype... when he gets home he’s just a lad.
“He was still surprised though when a couple of people came up to him at the Sylvia Park mall last summer”.
Liam Lawson will be in for much more attention in the coming months and years. At the same time he and his family will never forget those who’ve supported them and continue to support through thick and thin.
All helping to realise a kiwi motor racing dream.
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