Red Bull F1 Chief Acknowledges Verstappen’s Discontent Over Lawson’s Demotion

Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has publicly acknowledged that Max Verstappen, the team’s star driver, is displeased with a recent decision to demote Liam Lawson to the Racing Bulls team and promote Yuki Tsunoda to the senior Red Bull squad after just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season. This unexpected driver swap has stirred controversy and raised questions about team strategy, driver management, and internal dynamics.

The Decision Explained

Red Bull opted to replace Lawson with Tsunoda following a disappointing start to the season. Lawson, who had stepped into the senior team after Sergio Perez’s departure, struggled significantly in the opening races in Australia and China. Piloting the challenging RB21 car, he failed to advance beyond Q1 in qualifying and scored no points. In contrast, Verstappen secured a second-place finish in Melbourne and fourth in Shanghai, highlighting the performance gap between the teammates.

Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, admitted that Lawson’s readiness for the top seat may have been overestimated. “We made a mistake,” he said, noting that Lawson’s confidence crumbled under pressure from the outset. Meanwhile, Tsunoda, competing with Racing Bulls, demonstrated consistency and pace in a car considered easier to handle. With five seasons of F1 experience, Tsunoda was deemed a stronger immediate fit to bolster Red Bull’s championship aspirations.

Verstappen’s Unhappiness

Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has openly expressed frustration with the swift decision to drop Lawson. Reports indicate he even liked an Instagram post by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, who labeled the move as “closer to bullying or a panic.” This rare public stance suggests Verstappen believed Lawson deserved more time to adapt to the RB21’s demands, especially given the car’s acknowledged handling difficulties.

Marko confirmed Verstappen’s discontent in an interview: “We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars up front.” He emphasized that the decision prioritizes the team’s goals—securing the Constructors’ Championship and supporting Verstappen’s bid for a fifth consecutive Drivers’ title—over individual preferences.

Strategic Implications

The move underscores Red Bull’s urgency to maximize performance early in the season. With Verstappen trailing by eight points in the Drivers’ standings after two races, a reliable second driver is critical. Tsunoda’s promotion aims to address this, leveraging his recent form and maturity. Marko praised Tsunoda’s development, stating, “Yuki has gone through a transformation. He’s fast and now more stable.”

Lawson, meanwhile, returns to Racing Bulls, where he’ll race alongside rookie Isack Hadjar. Marko framed this as an opportunity rather than a setback, citing the junior team’s competitive car as a chance for Lawson to rebuild his confidence, much like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon did in the past.

Looking Ahead

The driver change introduces uncertainty as Red Bull heads to the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Tsunoda’s home race and his debut with the senior team. His ability to quickly master the RB21 will be crucial. For Verstappen, the focus remains on overcoming the car’s challenges, though his frustration signals potential tension within the team.

In summary, Helmut Marko has acknowledged Max Verstappen’s unhappiness with Liam Lawson’s demotion and Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion after only two races. While the decision reflects Red Bull’s strategic priorities, its success hinges on Tsunoda’s performance and the team’s ability to maintain harmony amid Verstappen’s discontent. The F1 world will be watching closely as this bold move unfolds.