The fallout from Red Bull’s decision to dump Liam Lawson after just two races has continued, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen the latest to weigh in.
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Although, in this occasion, while Verstappen didn’t actually say anything he seemed to make his thoughts on the matter fairly clear with his social media activity.
Verstappen liked an Instagram post from former Formula One driver Giedo van der Garde accusing Red Bull of “bullying” Lawson.
“Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements,” van der Garde wrote.
“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.
“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 [switch] 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.”
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Lawson, meanwhile, took to Instagram on Friday morning to break his silence as he admitted it had been “tough” to see his “dream” job as a Red Bull F1 driver end in the sack after just two races of the 2025 season.
“Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life,” Lawson wrote on Instagram.
“It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support – it means the world.”
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The New Zealander has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, confirming days of speculation after disappointing back-to-back performances.
Tsunoda will take over from Lawson starting at his home Japanese Grand Prix next week at Suzuka, Red Bull said in a statement.
The 24-year-old Tsunoda moves up from the Racing Bulls (RB) sister team to partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen, with Lawson moving back down to RB, where he was last season.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.
“We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the world drivers’ championship and to reclaim the world constructors’ title, and this is a purely sporting decision.”
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Lawson, 23, who was drafted in from RB in the winter to replace Sergio Perez, has endured a miserable start to the season and life at one of the top teams on the grid.
He has been knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions and has yet to score a point.
Verstappen in the other Red Bull is second in the title race with 36 points, eight behind early season leader Lando Norris of McLaren.
“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam, and together we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well,” Horner added.
“We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.”
Lawson will partner with France’s Isack Hadjar at RB.
“I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places,” added Lawson in his social media statement.
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