Liam Lawson signals interest in entering the Race of Champions in Wellington, New Zealand, in January 2026, but he remains unconfirmed for the home event.

It marks the event’s first staging in New Zealand, giving domestic fans a rare live showcase of world-class drivers across multiple disciplines.

ROC uses identical machinery and tight, head-to-head heats in a knockout bracket, emphasising driver performance on equal terms rather than car advantage or team nuance.

“I’m not actually sure yet, but it looks really cool. I should be there then, so it’s something I’d love to do,” Lawson says.

January sits in Formula 1’s off-season, improving feasibility, though duties with the Racing Bulls seat could still dictate testing, marketing, or recovery priorities.

Selection typically hinges on invitations and logistics. ROC routinely assembles leading names from F1, rallying, touring cars, and other series for an audience-friendly showcase.

Hosting in Wellington elevates New Zealand’s motorsport profile for a weekend, drawing attention, investment, and a sizable crowd to a compact, television-friendly format.

Because cars are shared, comparisons gain credibility. A competitive showing from Lawson would read well against international benchmarks, amplifying domestic interest and media scrutiny.

Visibility also supports his broader ambitions, including an uncertain F1 future and talk of a possible Red Bull return, even if ROC outcomes hold no championship consequence.

Entry lists and machinery pools usually finalise close to the event. For now, organisers and teams work through logistics while fans await confirmation.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.