NZ’s Liam Lawson (Carlin) and Marcus Armstrong (HiTech Grand Prix) define new era of Kiwi talent in Formula racing with both drivers standing on podium steps in Formula 2 Championship this season. Lawson hit the top step at F2 Round 2 at Jeddah, winning Saturday’s Sprint Race while Armstrong stood on the top step, winning the Sprint Race at F2 Round 3 at Imola on April 23.
Adding to the tally of top 3 standings, Liam completed double podium finishing P3 at F2 Opening Round in Bahrain, followed by finely executed performance in the Feature Race on Sunday, taking P2 from starting grid position of P6. Marcus outmaneuvered all but 2 drivers ahead of him on the tricky circuit of Monte Carlo on May 28, finishing P3 in the Sprint Race and boosted his current Championship standings to 4th.
With both drivers achieving hard won goals of racing Formula 3 Championship in 2019, Liam and Marcus have continued a line of elite, yet, small group of Kiwi drivers who have etched their names in Formula racing history. From NZ’s iconic legend, Bruce McLaren startling F1 career in 1958 through to 1970, to Chris Amon in 1963-1976, to Denny Hulme in 1965 – 1974 and Brendon Hartley’s F1 racing with Scuderia Toro Rosso Team in 2017-2018, Liam and Marcus complete total of 11 NZ driver’s to race the most prestigous sport on the racing calendar.
Lawson, at 20 years of age completed switch to F2 Championship in 2021 finishing 9th Overall with HiTech Grand Prix. Now under Carlin, Liam commands considerable presence on the track, specifically making passes, cutting through the field from mid-field grid positions. Deft behind the wheel, Liam proves each and every race remains learning experience- regardless of talent- as was the case when the Red Bull Junior driver claimed pole at Monte Carlo only to be penalized for track infringement.
Armstrong, at 22 years of age completed switch to F2 Championship in 2020 having finished Vice-Champion in F3 Championship in 2019. Most certainly, consistent results across 2022 F2 Rounds 1-5 have consolidated overall standings to 4th, just 3 points shy of 3rd. Racing under HiTech, Marcus remains dark horse on the track, neither rattled when incidents occur on track, nor knocked back when faced with competition on the grid.
Admirable qualities in both driver’s remains clear- hard work ethic, highly focused on goals, results orientated, all the while enjoying the journey along the way. For no matter what else, these 2 Kiwi’s made it to the pinnacle of Formula racing, having established skills to perfect back home in NZ. From Karting, to racing NZ’s Castrol Toyota Series, to F4, F3 and now F2- only way is up on the Formula racing career ladder.
Next Round: F2 Championship Round 6 of 13, Formula One Azerbaijan at Baku, June 1012. Header photo: Liam Lawson Image Red Bull racing.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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