Max Verstappen has doubled down on his decision to like an Instagram post from former Caterham F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, which accused Red Bull of ‘bullying’ after they dropped Liam Lawson just two Grands Prix into his career with the team. Lawson was promoted as a replacement for Sergio Perez, whose struggles cost Red Bull a shot at retaining the Constructors’ Championship title in 2024.
However, after failing to score points or exit Q1 in his first two race weekends, the New Zealander was unceremoniously dumped ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. The decision caused outrage in some corners of the paddock, and former Caterham racer Van der Garde took to Instagram to offer his thoughts on Lawson’s sacking. The post was liked by Verstappen, making his feelings on the verdict clear.
“I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you […] underdeliver, you’ve got [to] face the consequences,” Van der Garde’s post read. “Yes, you got [to] perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion, this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements.”
Asked about his decision to like the post, Verstappen said: “I liked the text, so that says enough, right? It wasn’t a mistake. That sometimes happens when you click on something.”
The four-time world champion also added: “My reaction is known within the team. That was not only about the change but also about other things. We already discussed that during the last race weekend and in the factory.”
In Lawson’s place, Red Bull have promoted Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese racer will make his debut for the team in front of his adoring home crowd at the Suzuka Circuit following an electrifying start to the campaign.
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