Max Verstappen has liked an Instagram post from former Caterham F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, accusing Red Bull of ‘bullying’ Liam Lawson. The New Zealander was dropped by Red Bull on Thursday after failing to make it out of Q1 or score points in two Grand Prix starts and one sprint race appearance. Lawson will now return to Racing Bulls and attempt to rebuild his F1 career.
Lawson becomes the latest in a long line of failed Red Bull promotions. Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly were both previously dropped mid-season after sub-par performances, while Alex Albon and Sergio Perez failed to get close to team-mate Verstappen’s results.
The sacking generated plenty of controversy and debate. One of those unimpressed was Van der Garde, who was denied a seat with Sauber in 2014 under similarly brutal circumstances.
In a post liked by Verstappen, the 39-year-old wrote: “I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you’re underdeliver [sic] you’ve gotta face the consequences. Yes, you gotta 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. I remember my own blood, sweat and tears – and that was to reach F1.
“Let alone driving for an absolute top team. 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.”
While Red Bull’s driver change has done considerable damage to Lawson’s reputation, it has created a unique opportunity for Yuki Tsunoda to prove himself as the long-term answer to the Verstappen team-mate conundrum.
The Japanese racer beat Lawson six-nil in qualifying in 2024 and has enjoyed a commanding start to the 2025 campaign, scoring points in the sprint race in Shanghai and showing immense one-lap speed.
