Max Verstappen’s reaction to Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson

Max Verstappen has reportedly been left shaken following Red Bull’s decision to demote Liam Lawson after just two races. The New Zealander, who replaced Sergio Perez in the offseason, has now been relegated to Racing Bulls, marking a rapid shift in his career trajectory.



After weeks of speculation, Red Bull confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda would take over Lawson’s seat at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. This decision grants the 24-year-old Tsunoda the long-awaited opportunity he had been seeking. However, Lawson’s abrupt exit has left many within the team, including Verstappen, surprised and unsettled.



A Harsh Reality for Lawson



Reports suggest that Verstappen was particularly shocked by how the situation unfolded. Writing in the Daily Mail , F1 journalist Jonathan McEvoy revealed that sources close to Red Bull described Verstappen as “shaken” by the move.







“A leading driver, speaking off the record, confided the other day, ‘What is destroying Liam is the way he is dealt with by Helmut [Marko]. The atmosphere there does not give their drivers room to breathe, to fulfil themselves,'” McEvoy wrote.



The decision to part ways with Lawson so quickly highlights Red Bull’s high-pressure environment and their strict performance expectations for drivers.



Red Bull’s Unstable Lineup



Lawson’s appointment was initially seen as a fresh start for Red Bull following a difficult campaign that saw them lose the Constructors’ Championship. However, his debut did not go as planned. He suffered a disastrous start at the Australian Grand Prix, crashing out of the season opener. His struggles continued in China, where he failed to score any points.



Despite acknowledging his own shortcomings, citing difficulty in adapting to the car, Lawson was not given the chance to improve. The swift decision to replace him underscores Red Bull’s relentless pursuit of immediate results.



Future Uncertainty for Lawson



With his demotion, Lawson now finds himself at Racing Bulls, teaming up with rookie Isack Hadjar. This sudden shift raises questions about his future in Formula 1 and whether he will get another opportunity at Red Bull or elsewhere on the grid.



Meanwhile, Verstappen’s reaction suggests growing concerns within the team about how drivers are managed under Helmut Marko’s leadership. With Red Bull’s internal politics often under scrutiny, this latest decision only adds to the ongoing speculation about the team’s long-term strategy and stability.
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