Max Verstappen has ignited a firestorm in Formula 1 by publicly criticizing Red Bull Racing for their abrupt decision to demote Liam Lawson after just two races in the 2025 season. In a candid interview, the four-time world champion expressed his disapproval, suggesting that such a move could irreparably damage a driver’s career.
Verstappen’s comments come as a significant departure from his usual diplomatic stance regarding team decisions. He made it clear that two races are insufficient to evaluate a driver’s potential, emphasizing the importance of allowing talent to develop. Verstappen’s critique underscores a growing concern about Red Bull’s treatment of its drivers, particularly in an environment where instant results are expected.
Lawson, who began the season as Verstappen’s teammate, faced immense pressure from the outset. Despite being praised by team principal Christian Horner, who believed Lawson had more potential than Yuki Tsunoda, the young driver struggled to perform in his initial races. His inability to advance beyond Q1 in qualifying led to a swift demotion back to the junior team, Racing Bulls.
Verstappen’s support for Lawson was evident when he liked an Instagram post from former F1 driver Gido van der Garde, who described Red Bull’s decision as bordering on bullying. This act signaled Verstappen’s discontent with the team’s approach, marking a rare instance of public dissent from the usually composed driver.
Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko defended the decision, stating that maintaining two competitive cars was essential for the team’s championship aspirations. However, the results of this strategy have been far from ideal. Tsunoda, who replaced Lawson, scored a mere 30 points throughout the season, finishing 17th in the championship, while Lawson excelled in the junior team, scoring 38 points and achieving a fifth-place finish in Azerbaijan.
As Verstappen pointed out, two races are too early to judge a driver’s capabilities. The numbers support his argument, demonstrating that Lawson outperformed his replacement, raising questions about Red Bull’s decision-making process. The team’s history of treating drivers harshly has become a recurring theme, with previous talents like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon also experiencing demotions after failing to match Verstappen’s pace.
Looking ahead, Red Bull has promoted Isak Hajar, a promising young driver, to partner with Verstappen in 2026. Hajar’s rookie season at Racing Bulls showed strong potential, and the upcoming regulatory changes will provide him with a unique opportunity to develop alongside the new car, unlike Lawson, who faced an uphill battle adapting to a vehicle tailored to Verstappen’s driving style.
The pivotal question remains whether Red Bull will heed Verstappen’s warning regarding the need for patience with young drivers. His public stance signals a shift in the dynamic between the reigning champion and the team, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent rather than discarding it prematurely.
Verstappen’s willingness to speak out reflects his own journey within the Red Bull framework, where he was given time to grow and ultimately excel. As Lawson prepares for another season at Racing Bulls, the onus is now on Red Bull to reassess its approach to driver management. Will they adapt, or will they continue their ruthless pursuit of immediate results? The motorsport world watches closely.
