Formula 1 experienced another episode of uncertainty with Red Bull's decision to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. The move caused a stir in the paddock, and although Max Verstappen did not issue a direct statement, his reaction on social media made his stance on the situation clear.

The change occurred after the first two races of the season, in which Lawson failed to convince the Austrian team. The team's principal, Christian Horner, justified the decision by stating that Tsunoda's experience could be key in improving the performance of the RB21. "We know there is a lot of work to be done with the car, and Yuki can bring stability to its development," the executive explained.

However, the decision was not well received by everyone. Former drivers and specialized journalists criticized the speed with which Red Bull sidelined Lawson, who had been seen as one of the team's rising stars.

Verstappen's reaction to Lawson's departure

Although Verstappen avoided making direct comments on the issue, his social media activity spoke for itself. The three-time world champion liked a post from former driver Giedo van der Garde, who heavily criticized the team's management of the young New Zealander.

"I'm getting tired of hearing that Formula 1 is the most demanding sport and that drivers have to accept the consequences if they don't perform. Yes, performance is key, but this feels more like a panic reaction than a high-performance culture," Van der Garde wrote.

The Dutch driver also mentioned in previous days that the RB21 was a difficult car to drive, which could have affected Lawson's performance in his first races. "If you put him in the Racing Bulls car, he'll go faster. I'm convinced of that," Verstappen said, suggesting that the problem might lie more with the car than the driver.

In his home country, media outlets like De Telegraaf and Motorsport pointed out that Verstappen did not agree with the team's decision. Journalist Eric Van Haren, known for uncovering internal conflicts at Red Bull, stated that the driver change would not help harmony within the team and could add more pressure at a critical time in the season.

With the Japanese Grand Prix approaching, all eyes will be on Tsunoda and his performance in his first weekend as a full-time driver for Red Bull. Meanwhile, Lawson's future remains uncertain, awaiting a new opportunity in the pinnacle of motorsport.