F1 fans are convinced Max Verstappen has aimed brutal dig at Liam Lawson as Red Bull future hangs in the balance

Formula One fans think that reigning champion Max Verstappen may have aimed a dig at new teammate Liam Lawson after his disappointing start at Red Bull.

During the Australian Grand Prix last week, F1 fans were reminded why Verstappen is one of the best drivers of all time as he pushed race winner Lando Norris to the very end despite driving a much inferior car.

The four-time champion followed this performance up by finishing third in the sprint race of the Chinese Grand Prix and qualifying fourth for the race on Sunday.

Meanwhile, teammate Lawson has struggled to adapt to life at Red Bull having been promoted from junior team Racing Bulls for this season, leading to Verstappen potentially aiming a subtle blow at his teammate.

Lawson made his debut for Red Bull in Melbourne last week, but unfortunately finished the race right at the back in 18th while Verstappen came second.

Things only got worse for the 23-year-old in China as he finished the sprint race in 20th, only to qualify in last position once again for the main race on Sunday, and some fans think Verstappen is already frustrated by his teammate's performance.

When asked by Sky Sports if he was surprised by the performance of Racing Bulls drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar, Verstappen replied: “I mean, they’re doing very well, they’re very close to me,”

“Maybe that also says something, but yeah, I don’t know.”

It's unclear exactly what the Dutchman meant with this cryptic comments, but fans are convinced he is taking a dig at Lawson for his relative performance next to the Red Bull star.

Reacting to the interview, one fan wrote: "Lawson is COOKED already."

Another agreed, adding: "I think it's dig at Lawson."

And one suggested: "He’s either saying that they’re quick, or saying he’s slow, or saying that they need one of them to replace Lawson."

Max Verstappen will start the Chinese Grand Prix in fourth. (Image: Getty)

However, while speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Verstappen offered an explanation as to why Lawson may be struggling to adjust to driving for Red Bull, claiming that he would perform better in the slower, but easier to drive, Racing Bulls car.

“If you look at the difference between the two drivers at the other teams, they are all closer together,” Verstappen said.

“It also shows that our car is extremely tough. I think if you put Liam in the Racing Bulls car, he will go faster. I really think so.

“That car is easier to drive than ours. I also notice that when I talk to Liam. Last year, I didn’t think the difference between him and Yuki Tsunoda was that big. Otherwise the team wouldn’t make the choice to put him in at Red Bull either.”