Max Verstappen has confirmed that his `like` on a social media post criticizing Red Bull`s decision to swap Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda was intentional.
Verstappen`s official Instagram account `liked` a post from former Dutch F1 driver Giedo van der Garde shortly after Red Bull announced Lawson would return to Racing Bulls and Tsunoda would join the main team starting from the Japanese Grand Prix.
Lawson, who participated in just two races for Red Bull, expressed his `shock` at the decision in an interview.
What did Van der Garde say?
Former Dutch F1 driver Giedo van der Garde:
`I am getting tired of the constant remarks that F1 is the most demanding sport, where underperformance leads to consequences.
`Indeed, performance and pressure are immense. However, this decision seems more like bullying or a panic reaction than a reflection of high athletic standards.
`Red Bull made a conscious choice, giving Liam only two races, only to demoralize him. We must remember Liam`s dedication, hard work, and achievements throughout his career to reach his current level.
`Yes, his first two races were not perfect, but he is likely the most aware of this. Perhaps he even suggested this change himself, but if not, I wish Liam strength and courage to get to the grid in Japan. Believe in yourself, hold your head high, and prove them wrong @liamlawson30.`
`I liked the comment and its message, which speaks for itself, right? It was not an accident,` Verstappen stated in Suzuka.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull advisor, also mentioned that the reigning F1 world champion believes the team `replaced Lawson too soon` but `understands the rationale behind the decision`.
Verstappen, currently behind Lando Norris by eight points in the Drivers` Championship, declined to elaborate further on his opinion to the media.
`My feedback was shared with the team, concerning not only the driver swap but everything in general. We discussed it last weekend and at the factory,` he explained.
`Everything has been communicated to the team, my thoughts on everything. Sometimes, public disclosure isn`t necessary. I believe it`s better this way.`
When asked if he had spoken to Lawson, Verstappen added: `I`ve discussed everything with the team, and I`ve also spoken to Liam. That`s all I can say.`
Verstappen: Red Bull Car More Sensitive Than Others
Verstappen`s preference for a sharp front end in car setup, which aids rotation, can lead to rear instability. This characteristic has been challenging for his past teammates, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and recently Lawson.
He believes finding a compromise is `not easy` and pointed out Lawson`s limited experience in F1 races.
`People often say Liam has done about 11 races in total, but they were spread over different periods,` Verstappen noted.
`For a rookie starting the season, especially with today`s F1 calendar being so demanding, many tracks are new to them, or they immediately face a Sprint weekend. These conditions are not helpful.`
`From my perspective, it`s hard to judge how difficult or well the car handles because I haven`t driven other F1 cars or been with another team. I just adapt to the situation as best as I can.`
The Red Bull car is reportedly more challenging to drive than others, including the Racing Bulls car, evidenced by strong performances from Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar.
Verstappen commented that Racing Bulls, who were closely matched in qualifying pace in Australia and China, have `done a very good job` with their car, although race performance is `another matter`.
`From what I observe, the Red Bull car is slightly more nervous and unstable in various cornering phases compared to what some of my teammates might have been used to,` he added.
Verstappen Emphasizes Car Issues Over Driver Performance
Verstappen has achieved strong results this season, including second place in Melbourne, third in the Shanghai Sprint, and fourth in the main Chinese Grand Prix.
The 27-year-old, aiming to equal Michael Schumacher`s record of five consecutive drivers` titles, reiterated that Red Bull is `doing their best` to reduce the gap to leading team McLaren.
`I think our primary issue is that the car isn`t performing as we want,` Verstappen stated.
`I believe everyone in the team is aware of this, and that`s my main focus. Once the car becomes more competitive and generally easier to drive, it will naturally benefit even the other driver.`
