Verstappen confirms liking post criticising Yuki-Lawson move not “a mistake”

Max Verstappen has stirred conversations after liking a social media post that criticized Red Bull’s decision to swap Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda following just two races. The post, shared by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, described the move as closer to “bullying or a panic move” than a calculated sporting decision. 

Verstappen later confirmed that his endorsement of the post was intentional and reflected his perspective on the matter, saying, “I liked the comment, so that says enough, right? It wasn’t a mistake”.

The swap comes ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, where Tsunoda will race for Red Bull at his home event. Lawson, who had been promoted from Racing Bulls to replace Sergio Perez at the start of the season, struggled to adapt to the RB21 in both Australia and China. Red Bull’s management cited Lawson’s underperformance as the reason for the change, with team principal Christian Horner stating that Tsunoda’s experience would be valuable in developing the car further. 

However, many in the F1 community have questioned whether Lawson was given a fair chance, considering he was racing on unfamiliar tracks and facing immense pressure as a rookie.

Verstappen’s reaction has added a new element to the conversation. While he refrained from publicly criticizing Red Bull outright, his social media activity and comments suggest he disagrees with how swiftly the decision was made. 

The Dutchman’s stance aligns with sentiments expressed by other drivers and commentators. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton remarked that Lawson faced an uphill battle trying to master a notoriously difficult car in such a short timeframe. He acknowledged the pressures young drivers face but said he wasn’t surprised by Red Bull’s rapid decision-making.

Speaking at Suzuka, Verstappen noted that he had already shared his thoughts with the team privately and added that not all discussions need to be aired publicly. He also pointed out broader issues with Red Bull’s car performance, implying that driver changes alone may not address underlying challenges with the RB21.