Liam Lawson reflects on emotional once-in-a-lifetime experience

Liam Lawson has reflected on the emotional experience of driving Bruce McLaren's Ford GT40, admitting it gave him a sensation he expects to "never have" again.

The Racing Bulls driver was incredibly busy during last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed, getting behind the wheel of several different cars.

One, however, was significantly more special than the others for Lawson, as he had the opportunity to drive McLaren's 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours-winning Ford GT40.

Lawson was left shaking after driving the legendary race car, particularly given its significance in McLaren's career.

With Bruce McLaren being one of, if not the most famous racing drivers in New Zealand's history, experiencing what it was like to drive one of his cars, even for a moment, is something Lawson will never forget.

McLaren's 1966 Le Mans victory is documented in the film Ford v Ferrari, although the story primarily centres on Ken Miles. Nevertheless, the GT40 driven by McLaren does make an appearance.

Asked what it was like to drive such an iconic car, Lawson replied: "Yeah, it was pretty cool. Obviously, growing up in New Zealand, motorsport in New Zealand, and Formula 1 especially, there's a lot of history.

"So, yeah, it's been a long time since the success of those guys. Bruce started McLaren, and that car specifically won that race. There's also a pretty sick movie that's sort of about it. It's more about the Ken Miles car, but that car is in the movie.

"For me, as a New Zealander growing up and learning about the history, working with people and having relationships with mentors who were close to, or knew, Bruce's and Chris Amon's families is very, very cool.

"So, yeah, it was very special. I'll probably never have a feeling like that again in a race car."