Red Bull has never been a team to shy away from tough decisions, and their latest move is no exception.
The team has decided to drop Liam Lawson after just two races, opting instead to bring back Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
While Red Bull insists this is the right call for the team’s success, not everyone is on board—especially not Max Verstappen.
Verstappen Unhappy with Lawson’s Departure
Lawson’s brief stint with Red Bull came to an abrupt end after failing to secure a single point in his first two races.
While performance was undoubtedly a factor, the decision to remove him so quickly has raised eyebrows.
Verstappen, a four-time world champion, made his feelings known by liking an Instagram post that criticized Red Bull’s handling of the situation, even likening it to “bullying.”
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, admitted that Verstappen isn’t pleased with the move.
However, he defended the decision, emphasizing that the team needs both cars performing at the front—not just for the constructors’ championship but also to support Verstappen’s pursuit of a fifth title.
Why Red Bull is Betting on Tsunoda
Despite Verstappen’s dissatisfaction, Marko remains confident that bringing Tsunoda back into the main Red Bull lineup is the right move.
He pointed out that Tsunoda’s experience and current form give the team a stronger strategic edge. “We need two competitive cars.
Yuki’s performance will ultimately benefit both the team and Max,” Marko stated.
Lawson, on the other hand, has been reassigned to Red Bull’s sister team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, where he will have the opportunity to prove himself once again.
However, questions remain: what happens if Lawson outperforms Tsunoda in qualifying? Marko dismissed the concern, suggesting that while Racing Bulls’ car is strong in qualifying, Tsunoda’s race-day experience will make the difference.
Lawson Responds with Gratitude
Rather than lashing out at Red Bull, Lawson took the high road in his response.
In an emotional Instagram post, he shared his gratitude for the opportunity, stating that driving for Red Bull had been his childhood dream.
While the decision was tough to accept, he expressed excitement about his next chapter with Racing Bulls.
What’s Next?
With the Japanese Grand Prix approaching, all eyes will be on Tsunoda to see if he can justify Red Bull’s faith in him.
Meanwhile, Lawson will be looking to prove that his dismissal was premature.
One thing is certain: Red Bull’s high-stakes decision-making isn’t slowing down anytime soon.