WATCH: Liam Lawson has a fanboy moment finally meeting racing HERO Lightning McQueen
Liam Lawson managed to outqualify both the Red Bull teams at the Singapore GP.

Lightning McQueen and Liam Lawson (Via @RBR_Daily/X)
In an unexpected twist to his winter break, Liam Lawson, the reserve driver for the Red Bull family, recently shared a heartwarming fan-boy moment that surely puts a smile on everybodyβs face. Known for his spectacular Formula 1 debut in 2023 with AlphaTauri, Lawson’s journey took a surprising turn as he found himself in the role of reserve driver for both Red Bull teams for the 2024 season. During Lawson’s noteworthy five-race stint with AlphaTauri, while substituting for Daniel Ricciardo after his injury, he left his mark on the F1 circuit.
He showcased his undeniable talent and potential. Despite securing significant points in Singapore, the Kiwi driver faced disappointment as he fell short of clinching a permanent spot on the 2024 grid as the team opted to choose their current duo of Yuki Tsunoda and Ricciardo. However, this setback hasn’t dampened Lawson’s determination to continue his motorsport career, with a steadfast commitment to the reserve driver role.
In the TikTok video that has since gone viral, Lawson offered fans a glimpse into the more personal side of his journey. Expressing a mix of nerves and excitement, Lawson shared, “This is the guy that got me into racing. He’s the reason I became a racing driver. He’s like my hero,” referring to a fictional character, Lightning McQueen who supposedly played a pivotal role in shaping his racing dreams.
Liam Lawson met his hero⦠??
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) December 9, 2023
[liam_lawson30/TikTok] pic.twitter.com/R078pgCQeG
The video captures the genuine passion and enthusiasm that Lawson holds for racing, as well as the profound impact a fictional racing icon has had on his life. The shaky hands displayed in the video hint at the underlying excitement, breaking through the composed exterior commonly associated with professional drivers. The choice of background music, “John Cena – The Time Is Now (Entrance Theme),” adds an element of humor to the TikTok post.
Liam Lawson is likely to race for AlphaTauri in 2024
The video seamlessly transitions into a moment of pure joy for Lawson as he stands beside a life-size model of Lightning McQueen, the iconic racing car from Pixar’s Cars trilogy. Located in the ‘Radiator Springs’ section of Disneyland California, Lawson’s genuine smile radiates the sheer delight of meeting his childhood hero. McQueen is the Lewis Hamilton equivalent of the Piston Cup.

This unexpected encounter at Disneyland serves as a heartwarming reminder that every racing driver, regardless of their achievements, has a source of inspiration that fuels their passion. Lawson is expected to take the AlphaTauri seat for next year if in case Daniel Ricciardo gets a promotion to Red Bull.
β οΈ| Joe Saward suggests Liam Lawson is likely to drive for AlphaTauri in 2024!
— RBR News ???? (@redbulletin) July 13, 2023
Stories of Alex Palou to the Red Bull team are fading although he has been talking to other teams, but chances are he will remain in Indycar.
[@joesaward] pic.twitter.com/906grhCaaL
As Lawson navigates the reserve driver role with Red Bull Racing, this unforgettable moment with Lightning McQueen becomes a symbol of the resilience and determination propelling him forward on the path to realizing his dream of securing a permanent spot in Formula 1. The fan-boy excitement captured in the TikTok video not only endears Lawson to fans but also humanizes the rising motorsport star, making his journey all the more relatable and inspiring.
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