Max Verstappen appears to have been against Red Bull’s decision to axe Liam Lawson as his team-mate. The Kiwi only drove alongside him for the first two rounds of the new Formula 1 season but, after he failed to score a point in either Melbourne or Shanghai, the team has acted.
Lawson has been dropped back down to sister team Racing Bulls and Yuki Tsunoda has been promoted to replace him. The change will take immediate effect meaning Verstappen will have a new team-mate at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6.
But he doesn’t seem thrilled about it. Although he and Tsunoda get on well personally, the Dutchman seems to have been against the decision to drop Lawson who he believes should have been given more time to find his feet at the top team.
And Verstappen has made his feeling clear by liking a post on social media made by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde which is highly critical of Red Bull’s treatment of Lawson, suggesting the move will “crush his spirit” and claiming the switch is “a panic move”.
Van der Garde wrote on Instagram: “I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you underdeliver you’ve got to face the consequences. Yes, you’ve got to perform. Yes, the pressure is insane.
“But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements. They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit. Don’t forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in his career so far to achieve the level where he is now.
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“I remember my own blood, sweat and tears – and that was to reach F1. Let alone driving for an absolute top team. Yes, he underperformed the first two races – but if anyone’s aware of that it’s himself.
“Perhaps he has suggested this himself, but if not I wish Liam all the strength and courage to get to the grid in Japan. Trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong. @liamlawson30.”
On Thursday morning, Verstappen’s account ‘liked’ Van der Garde’s post indicating that he agreed with his fellow Dutchman’s point of view. Verstappen has yet to publicly comment on Red Bull’s decision himself, though he will be questioned extensively on the subject on media day next Thursday before the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
Tsunoda and Lawson will also each be speaking to the media, while team principal Christian Horner will be asked to explain in further detail the rationale behind Red Bull’s decision. In a brief statement on Thursday, he said: “We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam,” adding: “Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.”
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