Video: Liam Lawson setting a crazy lap record at Highlands

18th April 2024

Simon Ostler

Liam Lawson has become a big name in motorsport just recently after his successful F1 cameo filling in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023. But in his time away from his day job as a racing driver for Red Bull, he has often been seen frequenting Highlands Motorsport Park in his native New Zealand.

A country whose motorsport story begins with Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Chris Amon and the like, and has since cultivated a list of drivers that includes IndyCar stalwart Scott Dixon, Formula E racers Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans, multiple World Endurance Champion Brendon Hartley and of course friend of Goodwood ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett, New Zealand was also the birthplace of Rodin Cars, which builds the FZED single seater Liam is driving here.

It's a track car that you can buy, built with a view to providing owners with a Formula 1-like driving experience. As a result, it delivers ludicrous acceleration, 0-62mph takes just 2.9 seconds, and it’s powered by a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth GPV8 engine producing 680PS (500kW) with a redline of 10,000rpm.

In the hands of Liam Lawson, it looks like an absolute monster. Here we see him absolutely obliterating the lap record of Highlands, setting a time of 1:23.75. The circuit itself looks incredibly unforgiving. Bumps galore, concrete walls and ridiculously high speeds. We imagine the eyes were on stalks for this one, especially as he lost all traction hopping over the bridge at the 1:08 mark.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Manic Corvette vs GT40 battle at Silverstone