Red Bull Controversy: Max Verstappen’s Silent Rebellion Against Liam Lawson’s Sudden Axing
The Formula 1 world is buzzing with controversy as Red Bull’s latest driver shuffle has left fans and insiders questioning the team’s decision-making process. In a shocking move, Red Bull announced the demotion of Liam Lawson after just two races into the 2025 championship, replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda. This decision has sparked a wave of criticism, not least from within the ranks of the team itself.
Max Verstappen’s Tacit Support for Lawson
In the midst of this turmoil, Red Bull’s star driver, Max Verstappen, subtly expressed his disapproval by liking an Instagram post from former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde. The post labeled Red Bull’s decision as “closer to bullying or a panic” rather than a strategic move. This virtual nod from Verstappen underscores the discontent brewing within the team regarding the handling of Lawson’s career.
Liam Lawson: A Career Stalled?
Liam Lawson, who candidly admitted in Shanghai that his performances were “not good enough,” found himself out of the Red Bull seat after only two races. The decision has been met with widespread disbelief, as many believed Lawson deserved a longer stint to prove his worth. Notable figures, including David Coulthard and Guenther Steiner, advocated for giving Lawson another chance at Suzuka, a track where he held prior experience.
Red Bull’s Justification and Backlash
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, justified the decision by citing a “duty of care to protect and develop” Lawson. Horner argued that a quick decision was necessary to help Lawson gain experience in a familiar environment with Racing Bulls. However, this explanation has done little to quell criticism from both fans and insiders.
Helmut Marko, another senior figure in the team, added fuel to the fire by calling Lawson’s initial promotion a “mistake.” Van der Garde’s Instagram post resonated with many, likening the situation to “bullying” and urging Lawson to keep his head high and prove his critics wrong.
Inside Sources and Verstappen’s Concerns
Reports suggest that Verstappen is not alone in his unease. Sources close to Red Bull have revealed that Verstappen is unhappy with the way Lawson has been treated, fearing it might “ruin” the young driver’s promising career. Verstappen’s indirect comments at the Chinese Grand Prix hinted that the car, rather than Lawson’s abilities, might be to blame for his underperformance.
Verstappen pointed out that the Red Bull car is particularly challenging to drive, suggesting that Lawson might perform better in a different vehicle. He drew comparisons with previous seasons, noting that the gap between Lawson and Tsunoda wasn’t significant enough to justify such a drastic decision.
The Road Ahead for Lawson and Tsunoda
As the dust settles, Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda steps into the coveted Red Bull seat. The F1 community watches closely, as the drama unfolds, eager to see how this decision will play out in the long run. For now, the spotlight remains on Red Bull, as questions linger about their strategic choices and the impact on their drivers’ careers.