F1 Driver vs Rally Car | How fast can you go in ONLY 5 laps?
Liam Lawson had never driven a rally car before, and with only four laps to learn the narrow, tree-lined Goodwood course, the task was steep. The stage itself was unforgiving, with tight corners, loose surfaces, and hundreds of meters of jumps demanding absolute control and trust in the vehicle.
The benchmark was set by Josh, a professional rally driver, who clocked an incredibly fast lap time of 2 minutes 26.75 seconds. Despite the significant challenge, Lawson quickly found his footing. On his first timed lap, he managed to get within 10 seconds of Josh's time, an impressive feat for a rookie on such terrain.
As he gained confidence with each run, Lawson’s times improved dramatically. He demonstrated rapid learning, progressively driving more aggressively, throwing the car’s back end out, braking late, and embracing the full rally driving style. With guidance and tips from Josh, Lawson managed to close the gap further, eventually getting just 2 seconds off the pro rally driver’s fastest lap.
The video captures the intensity and excitement of the experiment—Liam’s comments reveal just how intense and fast rally driving is, highlighting the pitch control required and the constant weight transfer challenging even a skilled driver. He praises rallying as a discipline that must be in the driver's blood, a skill not easily taught despite his racecraft.
In the end, Lawson’s performance was not only a testament to his adaptability and skill as a racing driver but also a celebration of the thrilling, chaotic world of rally motorsport. The experiment proved that even the best circuit racers can find their limits and new respect pushing a rally car at its edge.
This unique crossover is a visual reminder of the diverse disciplines in motorsport, showing the raw adrenaline and skill needed whether on smooth tarmac or unpredictable gravel roads.