Lawson could be stopped from racing in traditional New Zealand event

Liam Lawson's hopes of competing in the New Zealand Karting Grand Prix could be in doubt owing to the Red Bull/Visa Cash App RB launch schedule.

Kiwi Lawson is the reserve driver for both squads in 2024 having made five Grand Prix starts in 2023, deputising for the injured Daniel Ricciardo between the Dutch and Qatar races, scoring two points in Singapore.

Lawson does not have a dedicated race programme lined up for the coming season, but could be busy when Visa Cash App RB and Red Bull unveil their new machines on February 8th and 15th, respectively.

During the off-season, Lawson has traditionally competing in the New Zealand Karting GP, but with the event on February 10-11th, his participation is in doubt owing to F1 commitments.

"I'm going to try and do a race; there's a race in February, so if I'm still in New Zealand in February, I want to do the race," Lawson explained in a video posted to his YouTube channel.

"But, I don't know if I'm going to be here, so I'm kind of testing for it. I do the race every year, so we're testing for it.

"If it doesn't work out and I can't do it, that would suck, but we'll see what happens."