MAX VERSTAPPEN has liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of “bullying” Liam Lawson.
It came after Lawson was dropped to Racing Bulls in favour of Yuki Tsunoda, who has been promoted to race alongside team-mate Verstappen.
Max Verstappen liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of ‘bullying’ axed Liam Lawson
APLiam Lawson has been brutally ditched by Red Bull[/caption]
PALawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda[/caption]
Verstappen, the four-time world champion, is understood to be unhappy about the team’s decision to axe Lawson so fast.
Many believe Lawson, 23, should have been given more than two races to prove himself and get used to the RB21.
The Dutchman’s actions raise further questions about his relationship with the Milton Keynes-based team.
Tensions grew last year after allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” from a female employee aimed at team principal Christian Horner.
Horner has since been cleared of those allegations by two separate internal investigations, but Verstappen’s future with the team has been questioned.
Red Bull confirmed on Thursday morning that Lawson and sister team driver Tsunoda would switch roles for the Japanese Grand Prix.
The New Zealander will return to second team Racing Bulls as team-mate to French rookie Isack Hadjar.
In a statement, Red Bull said Lawson was pulled out of the firing line after his “difficult” start to the campaign.
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Lawson’s nightmare season began with him dropping out in Q1 at the rain-swept Aussie GP, before crashing out of the opening race in Melbourne.
A week later, the Kiwi again qualified last in both the sprint and race for the Shanghai GP – despite sitting in the second-best car in F1 last season.
The RB21 might be tailored for Verstappen, but mustering a P15 finish in Shanghai was too much for Horner.
Meanwhile, Tsunoda – who earns nearly double Lawson’s £800,000 salary – qualified fifth in Australia and ninth in China but finished outside of the top 10 for both races due to strategy calls.
The ruthless call has drawn criticism from the F1 world.
Former Dutch F1 driver, Giedo van der Garde – who drove for Caterham in 2013 – was one who has been particularly critical of the shock move.
Van der Garde took to Instagram to share his disgust, writing: ” 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.
“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.”
GettyFormer F1 star Giedo van der Garde has launched a scathing defence of Lawson[/caption]
Verstappen, interestingly, liked the post but it seems he has since un-liked it.
Lawson was promoted to Red Bull in the off-season, succeeding Mexican driver Sergio Perez.
Tsunoda is expected to become Verstappen’s sixth different partner at Red Bull since he made the step up in 2016.
That is after Daniel Riccardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Lawson.
Red Bull said they were making use of their unique position as the only team on the grid with four race seats, arguing it was a kindness to Lawson.
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 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 Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.”
Horner is hoping 24-year-old Tsunoda’s experience will help with the team’s developing of the RB21.
The decision will surely make things awkward between rivals Lawson and Tsunoda, who have shared fiery words in recent days.
Tsunoda was more than pleased when quizzed about a potential swap before the news was announced on Thursday.
The Japanese star said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. The car is faster, I’m sure.”
But a fuming Lawson hit back, saying: “He can say whatever he wants.
“I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.
“If I look back over our careers, I was team mates with him in F3 and I beat him.
“In Euroformula I was team mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.
“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.
“He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”
Lawson and Tsunoda have been team-mates in junior and senior teams Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
