Liam Lawson surprised the Goodwood crowd on 10 July 2026 when he stepped into a legendary Ford GT40 for an unplanned run, showcasing his F1‑level precision in a vintage machine. The New Zealand driver, currently a Red Bull junior, took the wheel during the Festival of Speed’s hill‑climb, turning a spontaneous opportunity into a headline‑making moment.
How did the unplanned run happen?
The Goodwood Festival of Speed invited Lawson after a last‑minute vacancy opened when a scheduled driver withdrew. Organisers scrambled to find a replacement who could handle the GT40’s raw power, and Lawson’s reputation for adaptability sealed the deal. He arrived at the historic aerodrome, suited up, and completed a warm‑up lap before the official timed run.
What did Lawson achieve in the GT40?
Lawson posted a time of 1:13.45, placing him within striking distance of the top‑10 finishers for the event. The result impressed both classic‑car enthusiasts and F1 fans, proving that his reflexes translate beyond modern slicks. The GT40, a 1960s icon famed for its Le Mans victories, responded to Lawson’s smooth throttle inputs, delivering a seamless blend of heritage and speed.
Why does this matter for his Formula 1 career?
The run offered Lawson a rare chance to demonstrate car control on a vehicle lacking the electronic aids he relies on in F1. Without traction control or power‑brake modulation, he had to modulate brake pressure and throttle manually, sharpening his feel for the limit of grip. Such experience can sharpen a driver’s instinct, a quality Red Bull values when grooming future race‑seat talent.
What’s next for Lawson after Goodwood?
Following the Goodwood appearance, Lawson returns to the Formula 2 championship, where he continues to chase the title. The exposure from the GT40 run also raises his profile among classic‑car sponsors, potentially opening doors for future guest drives at events like the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. Fans will be watching to see if the confidence gained at Goodwood carries over to his next F2 race weekend.
How did the crowd react?
Spectators at the Goodwood hill‑climb gave Lawson a warm reception, cheering as the GT40 roared past the grandstand. Social media lit up with clips of the run, many noting the seamless transition from modern F1 machinery to a 1960s beast. Commentators highlighted the driver’s composure, noting that his performance added a fresh chapter to the GT40’s storied legacy.
Who else was involved?
Goodwood’s event director, Sir Peter Goodwin, praised Lawson’s willingness to step in on short notice. Team manager of the GT40, James Harlow, explained that the car had been prepared specifically for a demonstration run, and Lawson’s feedback will help fine‑tune future historic‑car appearances.
The unexpected Goodwood stint underscores Lawson’s versatility, reinforcing his reputation as a driver who can thrive in any machinery. Whether on a modern F1 car or a classic GT40, his skill set continues to attract attention across motorsport’s diverse landscape.