The New Zealand Warriors began their 2026 NRL Premiership campaign with a 24-16 victory over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on Saturday, March 15. The win, played in front of a home crowd, marked a positive start under new coach Andrew Webster.
In motorsport news, New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has been officially confirmed as a reserve driver for the Red Bull and Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 teams for the 2026 season. The announcement, made by the Red Bull driver program, solidifies Lawson's position within the top tier of motorsport after his substitute appearances in 2023.
Lawson, who impressed while filling in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB) in 2023, will continue his development role. His duties will include simulator work and being on standby for both Red Bull Racing and its sister team throughout the 2026 championship.
