Max Verstappen likes post suggesting Liam Lawson Red Bull axe was 'bullying'
03/27/2025 09:49 AM
Max Verstappen has liked a social media post suggesting that Red Bull’s decision to fire Liam Lawson after just two races was similar to ‘bullying’.
Red Bull officially confirmed Lawson’s exit on Thursday, with Yuki Tsunoda promoted from junior team Racing Bulls to replace the 23-year-old Kiwi.
Verstappen has reportedly been left ‘shaken’ by Christian Horner’s brutal call to sack Lawson, indicating somewhat of a rift in the Red Bull camp.
The Dutch world champion now hinted at his true feelings publicly by liking an Instagram post from former Formula One driver Giedo van der Garde.
Van der Garde uploaded a photo of Lawson and wrote: ‘I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that Formula One is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you under-deliver you've gotta face the consequences.
‘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. They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit.’
Verstappen has since withdrawn his like on the social media post from Van der Garde.
Lawson’s spell at Red Bull marked the shortest amount of time a driver has ever spent in a seat in F1 history, aside from factors like injury and illness.
The New Zealander crashed out at the Australian Grand Prix – the first race of the 2025 season – having also finished 18th in qualifying.
In the second Grand Prix of the season, which took place in China, Lawson was last in qualifying and then finished 18th in Sunday’s race.
He has been replaced by Japanese racing driver Tsunoda ahead of the next Grand Prix in Japan, which takes place from April 4 to April 6.
Red Bull team principal Horner 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.
‘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.
‘We welcome him to the team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.’
Lawson will now step down to junior team Racing Bulls to fill the spot left by Tsunoda.
‘We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam,’ Horner added.
‘After such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.’
