Max Verstappen Slams Red Bull Decision Again After ‘Bullying’ C…read more
Max Verstappen has once again voiced his frustration with Red Bull’s handling of its driver line-up, reopening a debate that sparked accusations of “bullying” earlier in the season. The four-time world champion did not hide his disagreement with the team’s decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two races, insisting that such a move was unfair and damaging to a young driver’s career.
The Dutchman concluded the season with mixed emotions. Although he produced a remarkable comeback during the year, Verstappen ultimately fell just two points short of McLaren’s Lando Norris, who secured his first-ever Formula 1 world championship. While Verstappen’s individual performances were widely praised, the Red Bull camp experienced internal turbulence, particularly around its choice of second driver.
Red Bull began the campaign with New Zealander Liam Lawson partnering Verstappen. However, after only two race weekends, the team made the call to demote Lawson back to its sister outfit, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. In his place, Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to the senior team, a decision that immediately attracted scrutiny from fans, pundits, and former drivers alike.
The controversy intensified when Verstappen was seen liking an Instagram post by ex-Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde, who openly criticised Red Bull and accused the team of “bullying” Lawson by giving him such a short window to prove himself. When questioned about the social media activity ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen made it clear that his actions were deliberate. He stated that liking the post was no accident and that it accurately reflected his feelings on the matter.
Now, speaking again on the issue, Verstappen has doubled down on his stance. In comments reported by Planet F1 following an interview with Viaplay, the 28-year-old reiterated that he did not support Red Bull’s decision at the time and still believes it was the wrong call.
“Two races next to one teammate—I didn’t agree with that,” Verstappen said. “In the end, you ruin someone’s chances with a top team.” He stressed that such a brief evaluation period is insufficient to judge a driver’s true potential, particularly at a top outfit where pressure is intense and adaptation takes time.
Verstappen did acknowledge that Lawson has shown resilience since returning to the sister team. According to him, the New Zealander has responded positively and managed to rebuild his confidence. However, he also pointed out how easily the situation could have gone the other way.
“He could also have thought, ‘Never mind, the fun is gone,’” Verstappen added. “In any case, two races is far too early to make a judgment.”
Beyond the driver swap itself, Verstappen also offered insight into why several of his teammates have historically struggled alongside him at Red Bull. The Dutchman suggested that differences in driving style and car setup play a major role, rather than a lack of talent on the part of his partners.
“They try to use my setup,” Verstappen explained. “But in the end, every driver has his own driving style.” He noted that while it is natural for teammates to move closer in approach over time, that process usually takes months, not just a handful of race weekends.
According to Verstappen, alignment between drivers often improves as a season progresses, particularly in the second half of the year. He revealed that he and Tsunoda gradually moved toward a similar driving philosophy, though subtle differences remained. Verstappen admitted that he personally prefers a slightly different balance, favouring a bit more understeer than his teammate.
The comments once again highlight Verstappen’s willingness to speak openly, even when it means questioning decisions made by his own team. While Red Bull has enjoyed immense success with Verstappen at the helm, the ongoing scrutiny surrounding its management of second drivers continues to draw attention.
As Formula 1 heads into a new season, the debate over Red Bull’s approach is unlikely to disappear. Verstappen’s remarks serve as a reminder that even within a championship-winning organisation, tough decisions can have lasting consequences—not only for results, but for the careers and confidence of the drivers involved.
