New Zealand has a rich history when it comes to motorsport, having produced world-class racing drivers who have excelled in various disciplines, from Formula 1 to endurance racing, IndyCar, and Supercars. As we head further into 2025, several Kiwi drivers are making strides in their respective series, and those with an interest in motorsport should keep an eye on their progress. Whether they’re competing at the pinnacle of single-seaters, pushing boundaries in endurance racing, or carving a path in NASCAR and Moto3, these drivers from New Zealand continue to uphold the country’s proud racing heritage.
Liam Lawson: Red Bull Racing’s Rising Star
Liam Lawson is seen as one of the most exciting young talents in motorsport. At 23, he’s rapidly ascended through the ranks from karting to the Toyota Racing Series, FIA Formula 3, and Formula 2. Last year, he impressed as Red Bull Racing’s reserve driver, even stepping in for AlphaTauri in selected races, showcasing his talent against experienced F1 drivers.
Lawson’s big break came in late 2024 when he was confirmed as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing for the 2024 Formula 1 season, replacing Sergio Perez. While Verstappen is tipped for more success this season, according to the Formula 1 betting markets, Red Bull’s faith in Lawson highlights his immense potential. With an aggressive yet calculated driving style, fans will be keen to see how he performs against the sport’s best drivers.
Shane van Gisbergen: From Supercars to NASCAR
A dominant force in the Supercars Championship, Shane van Gisbergen made history when he won his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2023 Chicago Street Race. It was a monumental victory, and it showcased his adaptability, which saw him make the switch to NASCAR in 2025.
Van Gisbergen now competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, bringing his aggressive style to American stock car racing. The transition from Australian Supercars to NASCAR isn’t easy, but his success in lower NASCAR divisions and road course events suggests he will be competitive at the very least. As he embarks on this new journey, fans of NASCAR from New Zealand will be eager to see if making the switch is proven to be the right decision.
Mitch Evans: Leading Jaguar in Formula E
Mitch Evans has been a mainstay of Jaguar’s Formula E team since 2016, playing a crucial role in their continued growth. In 2025, Evans is aiming to build on his previous successes, which include multiple race wins and consistently being in contention for the championship.
Formula E’s shift to the faster Gen3 cars has suited Evans, and he remains one of the most respected drivers in the series. His ability to manage energy usage while maintaining top speed means he will once again be a contender, and 2025 could be his year. The Formula E grid continues to get more competitive, but Evans remains one of the strongest drivers, and success could be on the horizon.
Louis Sharp: A Promising Talent in FIA Formula 3
New Zealand’s motorsport talent line is alive and well, with Louis Sharp being one of the country’s brightest young stars. After securing the GB3 Championship last year with Rodin Motorsport, Sharp is stepping up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2025, continuing with the Rodin-backed team.
His rapid development and impressive performances in GB3 have positioned him as one of the best prospects in junior single-seaters. The FIA F3 Championship is known for being fiercely competitive, but if Sharp can adapt quickly, he may soon be on the radar of Formula 1 teams looking for their next young talent. One day, he could be listed in the Australian Grand Prix betting, the season opener.
Callum Hedge: Pursuing Success in Indy NXT
Callum Hedge has already built himself a reputation as a versatile driver across multiple disciplines. After winning the 2023 Formula Regional Americas Championship and the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, he made the transition to Indy NXT last year with HMD Motorsports.
In 2025, Hedge will continue in Indy NXT, now racing for Abel Motorsports. The stepping stone to IndyCar, Indy NXT features some of the most talented up-and-comers. If Hedge can build up a level of consistency, there could be an IndyCar seat available for him further down the line.
Cormac Buchanan: Breaking Ground in Moto3
It’s fair to say that New Zealand has not had many riders who have competed at the highest levels of motorcycle racing, but Cormac Buchanan is set to change all that. After gaining experience in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, Buchanan has secured a ride with BOE Motorsports for the 2025 Moto3 Season.
His progression to the Moto3 World Championship marks a historic moment for New Zealand motorcycle racing. Competing against the best young riders in the world will be a real test, but Buchanan has already shown he has the talent and the determination to succeed.
Scott Dixon: The Veteran Continues to Impress
He may be 44, but Scott Dixon remains one of the leading drivers in IndyCar. A six-time champion and an Indianapolis 500 winner, Dixon has the experience and the skill that sees him stay competitive against much younger rivals.
In 2025, and with Chip Ganassi Racing, Dixon is still chasing records and proving why he is seen as one of the greatest IndyCar drivers of all time. His racing IQ and ability to get everything possible from his car means he will be a championship contender once again this season.
Haydon Paddon: Representing New Zealand in the Race of Champions
Hayden Paddon, New Zealand racing’s rallying icon, will represent the country in the Nations Cup at the 2025 Race of Champions in Sydney. The former WRC star, known for his speed and technical driving ability, continues to be a global ambassador in motorsports for New Zealand.
His participation in the Race of Champions highlights New Zealand’s presence in international motorsport events and showcases the nation’s driving racing talent. Paddon will be competing in select rallying events throughout 2025.
A Thrilling Year for Kiwi Motorsport
Racing drivers hailing from New Zealand continue to make their mark across multiple racing series. From Liam Lawson debuting with Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 to Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR adventure, 2025 will be a big year for Kiwi motorsport fans to look forward to.
Whether it’s Mitch Evans pushing to win the Formula E title, Louis Sharp’s progression in FIA Formula 3, or Cormac Buchanan’s historic Moto3 season, New Zealand has a strong presence in global motorsport. Veterans stars continue to shine, too in the form of Scott Dixon, who is delivering at the highest level. As 2025 unfolds, there are plenty of reasons why New Zealand should be proud of its motorsport-driving talent. All of this without forgetting McLaren’s defence of the F1 WCC and their participation in Formula E and IndyCar. Although, do they count as Kiwis?
New Zealand Motorsport FAQs
One driver from New Zealand will compete in the 2025 Formula 1 season – Liam Lawson, although the McLaren team was founded by a driver from New Zealand – Bruce McLaren.
Liam Lawson will race for Red Bull in the Australian Grand Prix and is 29/1 to win the race. You can also bet on the action via live in-play betting.
You can bet on motorsports in New Zealand, as well as many other sports, by visiting the BetVictor sportsbook.
