F1 Drivers React to Red Bull’s Decision on Liam Lawson

Max Verstappen has made his stance clear regarding Red Bull’s decision to demote Liam Lawson after just two races, calling it “not a mistake” that he liked a social media comment criticizing the move.

During the Japanese Grand Prix weekend in Suzuka, the four-time world champion subtly backed former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde’s remarks on Instagram, where the Dutchman labeled Red Bull’s move as “a panic decision” and “close to bullying.”

Verstappen’s Take on the Controversial Swap

When asked about his reaction, Verstappen responded:

“I liked the comment, the text, so I guess that speaks for itself, right?”

He chose not to elaborate further but confirmed that he had already shared his thoughts internally with Red Bull.

“Sometimes it’s not necessary to say everything in public. I think it’s better not to,” Verstappen added.

Several other F1 drivers, including Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly, and Nico Hulkenberg, also liked the post, hinting at widespread disagreement with Red Bull’s handling of Lawson.

Why Did Red Bull Demote Liam Lawson?

Red Bull initially favored Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda last winter, even paying off Sergio Perez’s contract early to make room. However, after just two races, they reversed their decision, sending Lawson back to the Racing Bulls team in exchange for Tsunoda.

The primary reason? Lawson struggled with Red Bull’s unpredictable car, qualifying 18th in Australia and last in both the sprint and main race in China. Red Bull believed he had entered a downward spiral that would be difficult to recover from.

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton Calls Red Bull’s Move “Harsh”

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton weighed in on the decision, describing it as “pretty harsh.”

Meanwhile, Verstappen acknowledged the challenges Lawson faced, explaining that Red Bull’s car is “a little more nervous and unstable” than what some drivers are used to.

“Some parts of the car are clearly faster than what my teammates have driven before, but piecing it all together is probably harder,” Verstappen said.

Yuki Tsunoda’s Perspective on His Red Bull Promotion

Tsunoda, who is set to debut for Red Bull at his home race in Japan, admitted he was caught off guard by the decision.

“For me, it was brutal enough when they chose Liam over me at the end of last season,” Tsunoda said.

However, he remains confident in his ability to handle the Red Bull car, stating:

“I’m not saying I’ll perform like Max right away, but I believe I can bring something different to the team.”

Liam Lawson: “I Want to Prove I Belong in F1”

Despite his demotion, Lawson remains determined to fight for his future in F1. He acknowledged that the news was difficult to hear but is now focused on proving himself with Racing Bulls.

“The only way I can control my future is by driving fast,” Lawson said.

He also emphasized that pre-season issues and limited track time played a role in his struggles, adding:

“In F1, issues happen, but I had hoped that would be taken into consideration more.”

Still, he stands by Red Bull’s initial decision to promote him, stating:

“I felt I was ready. Although the weekends were tough, that doesn’t change.”

What’s Next for Red Bull and Their Drivers?

As Red Bull continues to navigate internal team dynamics, all eyes will be on how Tsunoda performs in Japan and whether Lawson can mount a comeback. Meanwhile, Verstappen remains focused on maintaining his dominance in the 2024 F1 season.