Last Updated on April 4 2026, 10:55 am
An unexpected gap in the Formula 1 calendar has created a rare opportunity — one that could see Liam Lawson make a surprise appearance away from the usual F1 grid. With the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancelled, the drivers suddenly have an unusual amount of downtime, and Lawson may be among the first to make meaningful use of it.
Talks are now underway that could see the Racing Bulls driver on the Supercars Championship grid later this month. While nothing has been confirmed yet, the idea is gaining serious traction behind the scenes — and it could quickly become one of the most talked-about crossovers of the season.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
A perfectly timed opportunity
The timing of the Supercars round at Euromarque Motorsport Park from 17 to 19 April aligns almost perfectly with Formula 1’s enforced break. For Lawson, a New Zealander, the chance to race on home soil while still competing in Formula 1 would be rare and compelling.
From a promotional standpoint, the move would be a major win for Supercars. Having a current F1 driver on the grid — particularly one with strong local ties — would bring global attention to the series. It would also provide fans with a unique spectacle: a modern Grand Prix driver stepping into a completely different discipline with different cars, racing styles and competitive dynamics.
Talks intensify behind the scenes
According to Australian motorsport journalist James Phelps, discussions are already well advanced. Speaking to Fox Sports, Phelps revealed that efforts are being made to secure a wildcard entry for Lawson.
“I can tell you, it’s serious,” he said, emphasising that this is far more than just speculation.
The intention is clear: the organisers want Lawson on the grid and are exploring ways to make it happen. A wildcard entry would enable Lawson to compete without committing to the entire championship, providing the perfect opportunity for a one-off appearance during Formula 1’s off-season.
MORE F1 NEWS – Red Bull’s response to growing pressure, but is Verstappen already losing faith?
The major obstacle is that there are no available seats
Despite the enthusiasm, there is one significant hurdle: Lawson currently has nowhere to race.
All full-time seats in the Supercars Championship are occupied, leaving the organisers facing a logistical challenge. As Phelps explained, teams have been approached to see whether any drivers would be willing to temporarily step aside and hand over their car for the weekend.
It’s an unusual request in such a competitive series, and unsurprisingly, it’s not an easy sell. Drivers are unlikely to give up a racing opportunity, especially in such a closely contested championship.
However, the situation may be different further down the grid. Midfield and lower-tier teams could recognise a short-term benefit in allowing Lawson to take the wheel. The exposure generated by an F1 driver competing under their banner could far outweigh the cost of missing one race result.
MORE NEWS – Red Bull boss under pressure from Austria as chassis to blame, not the engine
A potential global spotlight moment
The commercial upside is hard to ignore. Lawson’s presence would attract international media coverage, boost ticket sales and increase sponsors’ visibility. In a championship that thrives on fan engagement and close racing, the addition of an F1 name could elevate the entire event.
Phelps believes the impact could be transformative. If a deal is struck, the Christchurch round could become one of the standout motorsport moments of the year, reaching far beyond its usual regional audience.
However, for now, everything hinges on one critical but simple factor: finding a car.
Until a team agrees to free up a seat, the plan remains in limbo. However, with momentum building and clear benefits for all involved, the prospect of Lawson competing in Supercars is no longer far-fetched — it’s a real possibility waiting for the final piece to fall into place.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
NEXT ARTICLE – How the FIA got into this F1 mess and what not to do to get out of it
Having watched Formula One for over 40 years, I don’t remember the sport getting itself into such a mess as it has with the all new 2026 regulations. Of course there were the tragedies which saw the death of Ayrton Senna and Jules Bianchi together with other one off farcical situations like the 2005 US Grand Prix where just six cars started the race.
Other silly ideas included aggregate qualifying back in 2005 where drivers ran one lap on Saturday afternoon and another on Sunday and the grid was set by their total of the two runs. In 2016, elimination qualifying was tried, where the cars went out all together and every 90 seconds the slowest was eliminated.
Both formats lasted a handful of race weekends before being dropped. There are a number of other ‘unusual’ efforts made by the FIA which led to driver boycott in Imola in 1982 together with the two lap race in Belgium in 2021 which saw George Russell claim his first podium in a Williams F1 car.
FIA desperate to engage manufacturers
Yet never has the FIA conspired to create a set of technical and sporting regulations which are so widely hated by drivers and fans alike. As much as various broadcasters have made light of the matter, comparing the 2026 F1 racing to Mario Kart, the current F1 spectacle is currently a debacle with drivers having to go slower to ultimately set a faster lap time and with terrifying closing speeds as the mega boost from the electrical power source runs dry.
Lessons must be learned and as early as 2024, F1 supremo Stefano Domenicali was talking down the all new 2026 era of F1 racing. In an interview with motorsport.com he hinted the reason the new regulations had been framed as they were was due to F1’s desperation to engage with more engine manufacturers.
Having fallen out with Renault at the last big regulation cycle in 2014, Red Bull faced the possibility of having no power unit supplier. Mercedes and…CONTINUE TO READ THIS ARTICLE
Stanton is a London-based journalist specialising in sports business and sponsorship. With a degree in economics and years reporting for business-focused publications, Stanton translates F1’s complex financial world into clear, compelling narratives.
