Liam Lawson, a rising star in the world of Formula 1, is preparing to take a creative leap as he looks forward to a significant music performance during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin. The 24-year-old driver for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls is set to headline at Esses Bazaar ATX on October 22, marking a notable return to the stage after more than a decade away from public performances.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lawson revealed his long-standing passion for music, which has been a part of his life since childhood. Inspired by his father, a lifelong musician, Lawson first picked up a guitar at the tender age of six. He and his brother were introduced to the instrument early on, and they often played together as part of a family tradition.
“I grew up basically playing with him and my brother, and I actually studied guitar for seven years,” Lawson shared, highlighting the importance of music in his upbringing. While he initially showed promise by surpassing his brother in their guitar studies, his focus over the years shifted predominantly to motorsport, leading him to pause his musical pursuits for five years.
Interestingly, during Lawson’s time away from the guitar, his brother continued to hone his musical skills. “Now my brother’s much better than I am. He’s very, very good,” Lawson remarked, showcasing a familial spirit of encouragement despite his own shift in priorities.
Lawson made his Formula 1 debut in 2023 at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in as a substitute for Daniel Ricciardo. It was during this period that he rediscovered his love for music, allowing himself to play casually without the pressures of performance. “I enjoyed playing music for fun with friends, and especially with my dad and brother when I was home,” he reminisced.
As for his musical influences, Lawson initially gravitated towards ’80s rock, thanks to his father’s guidance. However, his tastes have evolved over time. “Recently, I’ve started enjoying country music; it’s quite simple to play, with most songs being acoustic and featuring a few chords,” he explained. Lawson has even collaborated with Taylor Guitars to release a custom model, the LL30 GS Mini Special Edition, which he will use during his upcoming performance.
His guitar features a distinctive pink-to-white burst design, a nod to his identity as both a musician and a racing driver. It showcases various personal touches, including his racing number and a playful logo inspired by his helmet design.
As he gears up for his performance, Lawson plans to present a variety of cover songs, choosing to stay within genres that he enjoys. Although he once ventured into writing original pieces, including a performance he recalled from age 11, he admits that creating new material isn’t a current focus. “I enjoy just playing whatever I want,” he said, light-heartedly acknowledging that his main aim is to have fun rather than pursue a career in music.
While Lawson is accustomed to the exhilarating pressure of racing in front of thousands at Grand Prix events, he expressed that performing music brings an entirely different level of nerves. When asked about the greater challenge, he noted, “Performing in front of a crowd is more nerve-wracking than racing.”
Despite this apprehension regarding his debut as a musician, Lawson is excited about sharing the stage with friends from his past: “It’s thrilling to reconnect with my roots in music, especially with those I grew up with.” He is aware that his performance will be a significant moment, not just for him, but for those who have followed his journey into Formula 1.
As the United States Grand Prix approaches, Lawson’s dual passion for racing and music highlights a unique fusion of talent and interest, and many will be eager to see how he balances these distinct aspects of his life. The anticipation for his performance is palpable, and it marks an important chapter for the young driver, as he embraces his musical talents alongside his burgeoning racing career.