Liam Lawson’s rookie FIA Formula 2 campaign will be backed by New Zealand-based race car manufacturer Rodin Cars.
The 18-year-old will be graduating to the second-tier category with Hitech GP, the same team he ran with in last year’s Formula 3 season.
A member of the Red Bull Junior Programme, Lawson will be also be balancing a full-time drive in this year’s DTM.
Nestled away along the inland road to Kaikoura, Rodin Cars aim to produce the world’s fastest commercially available track day cars. Their impressive fleet includes its F1-esque FZed and F-Zero prototype.
Lawson has regularly visited the Rodin facility. At his first visit in February 2018, Rodin Cars founder David Dicker offered Lawson a drive of a Dallara F3 race car to prepare the youngster for his international Formula 4 drive.
“Liam is an extraordinary young talent, and I am delighted to partner with him as he continues to rise through the ranks of global motorsports,” said Dicker.
“With Rodin Cars, we aim to excel in all areas from engineering to drive performance, and Liam is a perfect partner as he is a driver with focus and a strategic mind.
“He has excelled at every step of his motorsport career and commited to achieving the desired outcome, so for us, it was a no brainer – he is the epitome of what we stand for.”
At his most recent visit, Lawson was invited to test the FZed single-seater.
“I have been looking forward to driving the Rodin FZED,” Lawson said. “It is faster than an F2 car, and it’s always good to drive something faster than what you race.
“I’m very grateful to Rodin Cars and David Dicker for the backing to compete in Formula 2.
“I’m so excited to race this year with Rodin and Red Bull livery on my car.”
Lawson participated in a three-day F2 test at Bahrain International Circuit. He posted the third quickest time of the 22 drivers and was the fastest of the rookie drivers.
“We believe that we’ve got a strong package, so our goal for the year is to win races and eventually win the championship,” he added.
“F2 has some very experienced drivers and only a handful of rookies this year so it will be a tough championship. There are some new tracks for me as well, so I’m really looking forward to racing at places such as Monaco.”
“Even at such a young age, it’s obvious that Liam is an exceptional talent and a world-class racing driver,” said Dicker.
“He’s well on his way to a long and successful career in motorsport and Rodin Cars is delighted to partner with him on this journey that is now only one step away from Formula 1.”
The 2021 F2 Championship begins at the Sakhir International Circuit in Bahrain on 26-28 March.
Well done David Dicker ,go Liam
Fantastic move
Well done David
Thanks David Dicker, all Kiwi motorsport fans appreciate you supporting super talented guys like Liam
Thanks David for supporting Liam, who is surely destined to eventually reach F1.
And best of luck with your marketing of the FZed, after some great reviews in the top British car magazines last year. I was fortunate to tour your facility and drive the track 3 years ago, and view the incredible FZero – what a machine!