What Is 2020 New Zealand Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 New Zealand Grand Prix was held on February 16, 2020, at Manfeild Autocourse near Feilding. It was the 65th running of the event and was won by Liam Lawson, who led every lap from pole position.

Key Facts

The 2020 New Zealand Grand Prix took place on February 16, 2020
It was the 65th edition of the New Zealand Grand Prix
Liam Lawson won the race, leading every lap from pole position
The race was part of the 2020 Toyota Racing Series
Manfeild Autocourse near Feilding hosted the event

Overview

The 2020 New Zealand Grand Prix was a significant event in the country's motorsport calendar, marking the 65th running of the prestigious race. Held on February 16, 2020, at Manfeild Autocourse near Feilding, it served as the final round of the 2020 Toyota Racing Series (TRS), a premier single-seater championship for junior drivers.

The race attracted international talent and served as a platform for emerging drivers to showcase their skills on a historic stage. As a non-championship event within the TRS, the Grand Prix carried added prestige due to its long heritage and competitive field.

Liam Lawson won the race, becoming the first New Zealander to win the event since 2013, after a dominant performance from pole position.
The race covered 60 kilometers in total, consisting of approximately 25 laps around the 2.4-kilometer Manfeild circuit.
Manfeild Autocourse, located in Feilding, has hosted the Grand Prix multiple times since the 1990s due to its FIA-approved layout.
The 2020 field included international drivers from Australia, the United States, and Europe, highlighting the event’s global appeal.
This edition marked the last New Zealand Grand Prix before a multi-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting motorsport schedules.

How It Works

The New Zealand Grand Prix is structured as a standalone race within the Toyota Racing Series, a winter racing series designed to give young drivers high-level competition during the European and North American off-season.

Format: The race is a single 60 km sprint event, typically lasting around 25 minutes, with grid positions determined by a points-based system from earlier TRS rounds.
Eligibility: Drivers must be part of the Toyota Racing Series, which features Tatuus FT-60 race cars powered by 2.0L turbocharged engines producing approximately 210 horsepower.
Scoring: The Grand Prix does not contribute to the overall TRS championship but awards its own historic trophy and significant recognition.
Safety Protocols: The race follows FIA safety standards, including the use of the Halo device, mandatory for all FIA-sanctioned single-seater series since 2018.
Timing and Scoring: Electronic timing systems track lap times and positions, with real-time data available to officials and broadcasters.
Weather Contingency: The race can be delayed or shortened due to adverse weather, though the 2020 event ran in dry, clear conditions.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2020 New Zealand Grand Prix compares to recent editions:

Year	Winner	Circuit	Winning Margin	Notable Fact
2020	Liam Lawson	Manfeild	3.2 seconds	First NZ winner since 2013
2019	Robert Shwartzman	Hampton Downs	1.8 seconds	Russian driver won en route to F2 career
2018	Mick Cunningham	Manfeild	4.1 seconds	All-New Zealand podium sweep
2017	Thomas Randle	Manfeild	2.5 seconds	Australian driver dominated final laps
2016	Lando Norris	Taupo	5.7 seconds	Future F1 star’s early career highlight

The 2020 race stood out for its combination of local success and flawless execution. Liam Lawson’s victory was particularly notable given the depth of international competition and the pressure of a home crowd. The consistency of the Toyota Racing Series format across years allows for meaningful comparisons, and the 2020 edition delivered both excitement and historical significance.

Why It Matters

The 2020 New Zealand Grand Prix was more than just a race—it was a showcase of emerging global talent and a source of national pride. Events like this help sustain motorsport culture in New Zealand and provide a springboard for drivers aiming for higher categories like Formula 2 or Formula 1.

Liam Lawson’s win marked a resurgence of New Zealand success in its premier open-wheel race after several years of international dominance.
The race supports junior driver development, offering hands-on experience with FIA-standard safety and regulations.
It strengthens New Zealand’s reputation as a host of high-quality, competitive motorsport events on the global stage.
The event boosts local economies, with Manfeild seeing increased tourism and hospitality activity during race weekends.
Media coverage from outlets like Spark Sport and Sky Sport NZ brings visibility to young drivers and sponsors alike.
Historic continuity—dating back to 1950—makes the Grand Prix a key part of New Zealand’s sporting heritage.

With motorsport facing challenges from sustainability and funding, the 2020 Grand Prix demonstrated resilience and relevance. Its legacy continues to influence driver pathways and national motorsport policy.