Max Verstappen has sensationally liked an Instagram post from an ex-Formula One driver that appeared to suggest Liam Lawson’s axing was ‘closer to bullying’ than a strategic change.
It comes as Mail Sport had been told by sources close to the Dutch racing driver that Verstappen was left ‘shaken’ by Christian Horner’s decision to sack his 23-year-old Kiwi team-mate.
On Thursday, Horner explained that while the Woking-based racing side had a duty of care to nurture Lawson’s talents, his performances at the start of 2025 had not been below par – with the team collectively deciding to part company with the driver. He added that Lawson had found it difficult to handle the RB21.
Yuki Tsunoda will now succeed him for next week’s Japanese Grand Prix, but Red Bull’s brutal decision has been scrutinised by some from around the Formula One world.
Former Dutch Formula One driver, Giedo van der Garde, was one who has been particularly critical of the shock move, with the ex-Caterham and Sauber star blasting Red Bull for ‘crushing Lawson’s spirit’ after giving him two races.
Verstappen, interestingly, liked the post and it seems the four-time World Champion also quickly withdrew the like.
Max Verstappen (pictured) has liked a post on Instagram that appeared to criticise Red Bull for their decision to sack Liam Lawson
Dutch driver Giedo van der Garde took to social media to claim that the move to axe Lawson was ‘closer to bullying’ than a strategic move
Lawson (left) was promoted to drive for Red Bull during the off-season but struggled for form in the opening two races of the season
‘I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that Formula One is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you’re under-deliver you’ve gotta face the consequences,’ Van der Garde wrote on Instagram, publishing a picture of Lawson.
‘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.’
Lawson has struggled for form at the start of the 2025 season with the Kiwi driver notably crashing out of the rain-affected Australian Grand Prix having also finished 18th in qualifying in Melbourne. A week later, he would finish last in qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix, before placing 18th in Sunday’s race.
His brief stint with Red Bull is the shortest ammount of time a driver has spent in a seat in Formula One history – illness and injury aside. His two-race stint surpasses that of Yuji Ide, who raced four times for Super Aguri in 2006.
Noting the brutal nature of the decision, Van Der Garde also issued a rallying cry to Lawson, urging the young driver to ‘keep his head up’.
‘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. Perhaps he has suggested this himself, but if not I wish Liam all the strength and courage to get to the grid in Japan.
‘Trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong.’
Sources close to the situation have also expressed their concerns over the decision to Mail Sport. It comes after Helmut Marko had suggested that Red Bull bosses would be sitting down for an emergency meeting following the Chinese Grand Prix.
Sources close to the scene have told Mail Sport that Verstappen (right) has been left ‘shaken’ by the call to axe Lawson (left)
It is understood that Red Bull bosses had held an emergency meeting in the past week
Yuki Tsunoda (pictured) will now succeed Lawson in the RB21 for the Japanese Grand Prix – Lawson will meanwhile return to the Racing Bulls
‘It is totally unfair to treat Liam like this,’ an unnamed contact close to the scene told Mail Sport.
‘You have to give him more than two races to prove himself after he has worked for this opportunity all his life.
‘He may not have done well, no argument over that. But to ditch him so fast is seriously bad. It smacks of a team in chaos.’
Lawson was promoted to Red Bull in the off-season, succeeding Mexican driver Sergio Perez.
He had ominously appeared to forecast the decision on the eve of the Chinese Grand Prix, telling Sky Sports F1 ‘I don’t really have time,’ after qualifying last.
Red Bull had attempted to make some drastic changes to Lawson’s car, in a bid to help him climb the grid. He started from the pit lane at both the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix but results did not come.
Speaking on the decision to part company with Lawson, Red Bull team principal and CEO, Horner, again clarified the team’s ambitions this season, with questions mounting over whether Red Bull are moving in the right direction.
‘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,’ Horner said.
Lawson is yet to speak out on the decision but has endured a tough start to the 2025 season, with Horner claiming that the Kiwi had ‘struggled with the RB21’
Questions have been mounting over the direction that Red Bull are now moving in, considering how quickly
‘We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the world drivers’ championship and to retain 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.
‘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 career with Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.’
Lawson is yet to comment on the decision.
