Max Verstappen has acknowledged that he intentionally liked a social media post criticising Red Bull’s decision to replace driver Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after just two races. This controversial move has garnered mixed reactions from both fans and analysts.
The post by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde labelled the decision as a form of bullying rather than a standard performance assessment. He argued that the swift dismissal of Lawson—who only had two races to prove himself—was more damaging to his morale than reflective of his capabilities as an athlete. Van der Garde expressed that Lawson’s effort and dedication should be recognised, expressing hope that he would regain confidence and prove his critics wrong during the next race in Japan.
Speaking at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen confirmed that his like on the post was deliberate, stating he felt it reflected his views on the situation. He shared that he had communicated his feelings regarding the swap with the team and that he believed discussions should be kept internal rather than aired publicly.
Verstappen also commented on the unique challenges faced by his teammates, given that the Red Bull car’s design is closely aligned with his driving style, making it difficult for others to adapt. He suggested that Lawson likely required more time to acclimatise to the car, pointing out that rookies face additional pressures, especially at the start of a season filled with new circuits.
While reflecting on the current season, Verstappen noted that both he and the team are struggling with the car’s performance, emphasising that improving its competitiveness should be the primary focus. He is currently positioned second in the championship standings, trailing McLaren’s Lando Norris, and remains hopeful that enhancements to the car will benefit all drivers within the team.
The upcoming race in Suzuka is scheduled for April 6 at 2pm AEDT, where both Verstappen and Tsunoda will have a chance to demonstrate their skills and turn the tide of the season in their favour.