Supercars Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen have a laugh during the Superloop Adelaide 500, Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, Adelaide, South Australia. Australia 19th Feb 2020
Supercars Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen have a laugh during the Superloop Adelaide 500, Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, Adelaide, South Australia. Australia 19th Feb 2020
This year could be one of the best for New Zealanders in motorsport. Eric Thompson runs through six established racers who might just push on to even higher glory in 2025.
Liam Lawson
The 22 year old is the latest Kiwi to make it into arguably the hardest motorsport category – Formula One.
While not everyone’s pick to be Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, Lawson’s tenacity, drive, adaptability and technical feedback have impressed the powers-that-be.
In his two stints as a part-time F1 driver in 2023 and 2024, Lawson may not have set the world on fire, but he did keep a straight car and picked up points.
Lawson is likely to capitalise on his growing experience and the technical prowess of the Red Bull team.
With Verstappen as a mentor and Red Bull’s competitive car under him, Lawson could challenge for podiums on occasion.
Shane van Gisbergen
His adaptability and success across multiple categories and disciplines make him one of New Zealand’s most accomplished racers.
A dominant force in Supercars, van Gisbergen showcased his versatility in 2023 and 2024 by switching to Nascar and winning on debut at the Chicago street course. This marked him as the first driver in 60 years to achieve such a feat.
Heading into 2025, van Gisbergen is poised for further success on the international stage.
With growing experience in Nascar, he is likely to challenge for more wins and establish himself as a consistent threat.
Van Gisbergen’s work ethic and ability to perform under pressure will continue to make him a tough and formidable competitor.
Mitch Evans
Evans has been a dominant force in Formula E since its inception in 2014. He has demonstrated skill in energy management and come-from-behind racing to narrowly miss out on winning his first championship.
He got his 2024-25 season off to a great start, winning the first round at Sao Paulo, Brazil, last month.
His Jaguar team has shown consistent improvement in their car development and Evans’ experience gives him an edge in tight championship contests.
His ability to adapt to varying track conditions, calmness under pressure and aggressive-yet-controlled driving style have made him one of the most respected drivers in Formula E and a potential 2025 world champion.
Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans. Photo / Getty Images
Nick Cassidy
Although a relative newcomer to Formula E, Cassidy has emerged as one of the most consistent and competitive drivers in the category in recent years.
Having competed at elite level for a number of years, Cassidy has carved a niche for himself in the all-electric racing series, where precision, energy management and adaptability are critical.
Despite a DNF in the opening race at Sao Paulo, Cassidy is well positioned to make a serious run at the 2025 Formula E championship, as he is also with Jaguar, and with his growing experience in managing energy during races, he has all the tools needed for success.
His calm demeanour under pressure and strategic thinking on the track give him a competitive edge.
Scott Dixon
You can never rule the Icemen out of any IndyCar series. Dixon is an IndyCar legend who continues to break records in a category where he’s been the dominant driver for over two decades.
A six-time IndyCar champion, Dixon’s career is a masterclass in consistency, adaptability and endurance. Despite the influx of younger talent, Dixon continues to perform at an elite level, regularly vying for wins and championships. Rule him out as a title contender at your own peril.
In 2025, his huge amount of experience gives him an edge over the rest of the field, especially where strategy and fuel consumption are crucial. Dixon’s physical fitness and relentless work ethic ensure he remains competitive in one of the most physically demanding series in the world.
Matthew Payne
Closer to home, Payne is destined to continue New Zealand’s rich history in the Supercars championship. Despite his relative inexperience, Payne has shown growth and maturity the past few years, resulting in strong performances in 2024.
Payne’s progression in the sport has been marked by his dedication to learning, and his technical feedback has been praised by his team. In 2025, Payne is expected to take another significant step forward.
