Max Verstappen's behind-the-scenes reaction to Liam Lawson sacking revealed by Red Bull 'source'

A Red Bull source has reportedly revealed how Max Verstappen reacted to the decision to drop Liam Lawson.

On Tuesday night, it was reported that Red Bull had made the decision to replace Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda ahead of next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

The decision was officially confirmed on Thursday morning, with Red Bull releasing a statement.

They posted on X: "Announcing that Yuki Tsunoda will partner Max from the Japanese Grand Prix."

The call to drop Lawson after just two race weekends has certainly raised eyebrows in the world of Formula 1.

Now, Red Bull superstar and reigning world champion Verstappen's reaction has reportedly been revealed.

How Max Verstappen 'reacted' to Red Bull's decision to drop Liam Lawson

As claimed by the Daily Mail, Verstappen is said to be 'shaken' by Lawson's sacking.

A source told the publication: "It is totally unfair to treat Liam like this. You have to give him more than two races to prove himself after he has worked for this opportunity all his life.

"He may not have done well, no argument over that. But to ditch him so fast is seriously bad. It smacks of a team in chaos."

Tsunoda will now make his Red Bull debut at his home race in Suzuka, with Lawson looking to reinvent himself at Racing Bulls, where he first impressed when stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo.

Yuki Tsunoda has replaced Liam Lawson at Red Bull. Image: Getty

Taking to social media, Tsunoda reacted to his promotion with a simple message that read: "Ready for the challenge ahead."

Explaining the decision to swap Lawson with Tsunoda, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.

"We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision."