Verstappen’s silent jab at Red Bull’s Lawson demotion

Max Verstappen has subtly expressed his disapproval of Red Bull’s decision to demote Liam Lawson back to Racing Bulls after just two races, by ‘liking’ a strongly-worded post from former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde that condemned the move.

Two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing’s decision to demote Lawson back to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has ignited a firestorm—and not just among F1 fans.

The 23-year-old Kiwi, tapped to replace Sergio Perez after a promising cameo in 2024, faltered in Australia and China, prompting a swift swap with Yuki Tsunoda.

While team brass framed it as a pragmatic move, the backlash on social media has been fierce, spearheaded by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde’s scathing Instagram post.

What elevates this critique from mere noise to a seismic ripple, however, is the tacit endorsement it’s received from Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s reigning four-time champion, alongside other grid heavyweights like Pierre Gasly, Oscar Piastri, and Nico Hulkenberg.

Verstappen’s ‘like’ on the post – a subtle but potent signal, that was later cancelled by the Verstappen’s account – casts a shadow of dissent over Red Bull’s ruthless call, hinting at unease within the team’s own walls.

Lawson’s brief tenure was a baptism by fire: an 18th-place qualifying and crash in Melbourne, followed by a last-place grid slot in both Shanghai’s sprint and grand prix, yielding just a 12th-place finish thanks to others’ woes.

Red Bull, eager to reclaim the constructors’ title from McLaren and bolster Verstappen’s title defense, acted decisively.

• Read also: Marko owns up: Lawson promotion to Red Bull 'was a mistake

Tsunoda, with four seasons at Racing Bulls and a steadier hand, steps into the breach starting at his home race in Suzuka.

Yet, the speed of Lawson’s exit – after only tworaces – has sparked a broader debate about Red Bull’s cutthroat ethos, with Verstappen’s social media move amplifying the tension.

Van der Garde’s Rallying Cry

Van der Garde, a Dutch journeyman who raced for Caterham in 2013, offered a well-articulated rebuttal to Red Bull’s decision.

“I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you […] underdeliver you’ve got [to] face the consequences,” he wrote, challenging the sport’s Darwinian mantra.

“Yes, you got [to] perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements.”

Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde.

For van der Garde, Red Bull’s swift axe isn’t a testament to F1’s meritocracy – it’s a knee-jerk reaction that reeks of desperation or malice, undermining the spirit of competition.

His critique cuts deeper as he reflects on Lawson’s journey.

“They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit,” van der Garde continued, pointing to the premeditated nature of Red Bull’s gamble.

Lawson’s promotion wasn’t a whim; it followed his standout stint at Racing Bulls, where he outshone expectations in 2024. Yet, two races in the RB21 – a car Verstappen himself has called “extremely tough” – proved too steep a hill.

Van der Garde sees not just a tactical error, but a betrayal of the Kiwi’s effort.

“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,” he urged. “I remember my own blood, sweat and tears – and that was to reach F1. Let alone driving for an absolute top team.”

Verstappen’s Subtle Stand

The post’s real weight lies in its resonance among F1’s current stars – none more so than Verstappen. His initial ‘like’ wasn’t just a casual tap; it was a public alignment with Van der Garde’s view, a rare peek into the champion’s mind amid reports he opposed the swap.

Sources suggest Verstappen, who’s long flagged the RB21’s tricky handling, believed Lawson deserved more time to adapt—echoing his own comments in Shanghai:

“If you look at the difference between the two drivers at the other teams, they are all closer together. It also shows that our car is extremely tough.”

That Gasly, a Red Bull castoff from 2019, Piastri, and Hulkenberg also backed the post only deepens the narrative of a grid united against Red Bull’s heavy hand.

Van der Garde’s words offer Lawson a lifeline amid the storm.

“Yes, he underperformed the first two races – but if anyone’s aware of that it’s himself,” he acknowledged, tempering his critique with empathy.

“Perhaps he has suggested this himself, but if not I wish Liam all the strength and courage to get to the grid in Japan.”

Closing with a call to arms – “Trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong” – he frames Lawson’s demotion as a challenge to overcome, not a career’s end.

Verstappen’s endorsement of this sentiment suggests he, too, sees untapped potential in his now former teammate, raising questions about Red Bull’s faith in its own pipeline.

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