Liam Lawson raises over $50,000 for breast cancer research with supercar hot laps

Racing Bulls Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson has raised over NZ$50,000 for breast cancer research during the winter break.

The New Zealander drew in a large crowd to Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell, Otago and gave fans hot laps to raise money for breast cancer research in various supercars, including an Aston Martin Vulcan and a Porsche GT3. The hot laps were offered via a silent auction.

"I can't believe how many people were here, and how much money was raised for breast cancer," the Racing Bulls F1 driver told RNZ.

The event was organised by Highlands Motorsport Park chief executive Josie Spillane, after she lost her friend Louise Scott-Gallagher to the illness.

"Liam's generosity in giving us his time helped us raise crucial funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, ensuring her [Scott-Gallagher's] legacy continues to drive real change. We're overwhelmed by the community's support," Spillane said.

This comes on the back of Lawson's first complete F1 season. After starting with Red Bull alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen, the New Zealander was replaced after just two race weekends by Yuki Tsunoda. For the remainder of the 2025 season, Lawson raced beside Isack Hadjar at Red Bull sister team Racing Bulls. 

The 23-year-old driver finished 14th in the drivers' standings with 38 points, behind his team-mate Hadjar, who finished 12th with 51 points. As a result, Racing Bulls finished sixth in the constructors' championship with 92 points, behind Williams in fifth and ahead of Aston Martin in seventh.

Lawson will continue with Racing Bulls in 2026, racing alongside British rookie driver Arvid Lindblad. "Liam has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026," team principal Alan Permane said at the time of the contract extension.