'Speaks for itself': Verstappen admits Red Bull frustrations following Lawson demotion
Max Verstappen has confirmed he did in fact intentionally like a social media post suggesting Red Bull moved prematurely in replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda.
The team made the decision to axe Lawson after just two races, a move that has divided experts and fans alike.
Former Dutch F1 driver Giedo van der Garde posted to Instagram, slamming the decision, a post that was then liked by Verstappen.
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"I'm getting a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you under-deliver you've got to face the consequences," Garde's post began.
"Yes, you've 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.
"They made a decision, fully aware, gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit. 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.
"Yes, he underperformed the first two races - but if anyone's aware of that it's himself. Perhaps he has suggested this himself, but if not I wish Liam all the strength and courage to get to the grid in Japan. Trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong (Liam)."
Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of China. Getty
Speaking in Japan ahead of the third race of the season, Verstappen confirmed he did intentionally like the post, which "speaks for itself".
"I liked the comment, the text, so I guess that speaks for itself, right? It was not a mistake," revealed Verstappen in Suzuka.
Verstappen said he shared his reaction with the team, and they know how he feels about the decision.
"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," he said.
"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.
"I've discussed everything with the team, I've spoken to Liam and that's all I can say about it."
With the Red Bull car's design heavily weighted towards Verstappen's desires and needs, it has proven a tricky drive for his teammates over the years.
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track Getty
The 27-year-old believes Lawson likely needed more time to adjust to the car.
"People always say that Liam did 11 races or something in total, but over a different period of time," Verstappen said.
"For a rookie, at the beginning of the season, with the calendar nowadays, and F1 is very tough, most of the tracks they have not driven on, or immediately, have a Sprint weekend, so all these scenarios, they don't help.
"From my side, it's very difficult to say how difficult or how well the car drives because I've not really driven any other car in my career or been with another team. I just adapt to the situation that I'm in the best that I can."
Verstappen sits second in the standings after the first two races behind McLaren's Lando Norris and third in the team standings.
He feels the car itself should be the priority for Red Bull.
"I think our main issue is that our car is not where we want it to be," said Verstappen.
"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."
Suzuka is next up on the F1 calendar and takes place on April 6th at 2pm AEDT.
