Max Verstappen has revealed that his decision to ‘like’ a social media post criticising Red Bull’s demotion of Liam Lawson ‘was not a mistake’.
Red Bull shocked the world of Formula One last week as it was confirmed that Lawson had been dropped with immediate effect after only two races.
The 23-year-old New Zealand had been promoted from second team Racing Bulls to replace Sergio Perez at the start of the 2025 season but looked out of his depth, failing to pick up a single point in Red Bull’s new RB21.
The stunning – and somewhat unprecedented – move will see Yuki Tsunoda take over the reins to partner Verstappen in front of his home crowd at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
‘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,’ Red Bull’s team principle Christian Horner said of the decision.
‘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.’
The ruthless decision has divided fans of the sport and Lawson broke his silence last Thursday to say thank you for the kind messages of support he had received after his ‘dream’ was cut short.
Lawson’s team-mate Verstappen, meanwhile, dropped a huge hint over his true feelings, ‘liking’ an Instagram post hitting out at the move from his official account.
The ‘like’ was subsequently removed, leading many to assume that Verstappen had done it by mistake. However, the four-time world champion has since confirmed there was nothing accidental about his social media activity.
‘I liked the comment, the text, so I guess that speaks for itself, right? It was not a mistake,’ Verstappen told reporters in the build-up to the Japanese Grand Prix.
‘My reaction was shared with the team but in general, about not only the swap, but about everything. We discussed that already during last weekend and back at the factory.
‘Everything has been shared with the team, how I think about everything. Sometimes it’s not necessary to always share everything in public. I think it’s better.
‘I have discussed everything with the team so the team knows how I think about everything and I think that’s enough to be honest.’
Verstappen said he and Lawson had discussed Red Bull’s decision in private, but refused to provide any detail on his thoughts, adding: ‘I’ve discussed everything with the team, I’ve spoken to Liam and that’s all I can say about it.’
The Dutchman believes Red Bull must prioritise making their car more ‘competitive’ and ‘drivable’ for the team to get back to where they want to be this season.
‘I think our main issue is that our car is not where we want it to be,’ he continued.
‘I think everyone knows that within the team as well and that’s what I focus on, to be honest, because as soon as the car is more competitive and more drivable in general, then I think even in the other car it will come to you anyway a bit more naturally.’
Lando Norris of McLaren leads the world championship after two races, with Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell sitting second and third respectively after the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix.
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