Jos Verstappen has finally broken his silence after Red Bull Racing’s shocking decision to demote Liam Lawson back to Racing Bulls, replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda.
The move comes after just two races for Lawson in the top team – a timeframe many in the paddock are calling ridiculously short for any driver to prove themselves.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko made the call that’s being widely criticized across the F1 community. Lawson had competed in only 13 Grands Prix total in his F1 career before getting the boot.
The backlash was immediate and came from surprising corners of the sport.
Both Max Verstappen and his father Jos liked a scathing social media post from former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, who didn’t hold back in his criticism of Red Bull’s approach.
Van der Garde suggested the team’s treatment of drivers resembles “bullying or a panic reaction” rather than a “top-level performance culture.” His post clearly struck a chord, receiving likes not just from the Verstappens but also from current drivers Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly, and Nico Hulkenberg.
F1 commentator Will Buxton, known for his work with F1TV and Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” was particularly harsh in his assessment.
Buxton took aim at Horner’s claim that the team had a “duty of care” for Lawson, calling the statement “just laughable.”
“Either you believe in the driver you have recruited and support him, or you don’t,” Buxton said. “They have been playing recklessly with drivers’ careers for decades, but this is really a new low. Two races is completely insane. Good luck, Yuki. You’re going to need it.”
The timing of the decision has left many wondering if any driver could succeed under such extreme pressure and limited opportunity.
For Tsunoda, the promotion represents both a massive opportunity and a daunting challenge given Red Bull’s recent treatment of drivers who don’t immediately perform.
