Photo: Toyota Racing NZ
Toyota Racing Series champion Liam Lawson will race in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport alongside his already-announced Formula European Masters campaign.
Lawson, recently recruited to the Red Bull Junior Team following his TRS triumph, completes MP’s line-up together with Richard Verschoor, with the pair joining Simo Laaksonen in the team.
Seventeen-year-old Lawson is the second driver to commit to a dual campaign in FIA F3 and FEM – whose 2019 calendars contain no clashes – after fellow Red Bull signing Yuki Tsunoda.
?It?s great news that I will be joining MP Motorsport for my debut campaign in FIA F3,” said Lawson.
?I?m very much looking forward to racing in front of capacity crowds during grand prix weekends ? it will be a whole new experience.
“MP is a great team, and they?ve been very welcoming. They have successfully worked with Red Bull Junior drivers before, so I?m confident we can do well.”
Verschoor stays on with the team after an impressive part-season in GP3 at the end of 2018, having stepped up from a tough period in the Formula Renault Eurocup.
The Dutchman tested Formula 2 machinery with the team in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year and in pre-season testing in Spain over the past two weeks.
“It took me a while to decide but I’m glad I set my sights on FIA F3 together with MP Motorsport,” said Verschoor.
“Formula 2 would have been wonderful, but I still have unfinished business at F3 level.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to show some great things with MP next season. Meanwhile, I can watch and learn from the F2 team, preparing myself well for the next step.?
Team boss Sander Dorsman added: ?We are very proud that Liam will be part of our FIA F3 line-up in 2019.
“Liam has been mightily impressive in ADAC F4, and his TRS championship run in New Zealand was nothing short of sensational.
“Together, with Richard and Simo, we now have three drivers capable of finishing on the podium ? and that is exactly what we will be aiming for.?
MP’s announcement means 29 of the 30 seats on the inaugural FIA F3 grid have been filled, with just Jenzer Motorsport yet to name a third driver.