New Zealand’s Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson is turning his passion for cars into a charitable cause, donating his first-ever vehicle — a heavily modified 2000 Subaru Forester — to raise funds for I AM HOPE, a New Zealand-based mental health charity.
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The Racing Bulls driver purchased the Forester with his close friend Matt Stevens years ago, and together the pair have transformed the car into a one-of-a-kind build valued at more than $25,000 NZD in modifications. Every cent raised from the auction will go directly to I AM HOPE, an organization dedicated to supporting young people through mental health challenges.
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The auction closes on Friday, November 7, coinciding with the charity’s annual Gumboot Friday, a national fundraising event that highlights the importance of youth mental health support across New Zealand.
Lawson and Stevens began the Forester project before the driver’s promotion to Formula 1 in 2023, rebuilding the vehicle from the ground up with help from local sponsors and suppliers. The car now features a brand-new engine and numerous upgraded components, replacing nearly everything from the original 234,000-kilometer setup. Stevens has jokingly referred to it as “the world’s most expensive Forester,” given the extensive time and resources invested in the build.
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The completed project represents far more than a car restoration. For Lawson, it’s a way to give back to the community and bring attention to a cause that resonates deeply with many New Zealanders. Through the auction, supporters not only have a chance to own a unique piece of motorsport history but also to fund crucial counseling services for young people in need.
Lawson’s initiative reflects the strong sense of generosity and community spirit often seen in New Zealand’s motorsport culture — where a beloved first car can become a vehicle for real change.
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