Max Verstappen leaves F1 fans stunned with first reaction to Liam Lawson decision amid Red Bull 'bullying' claim

Max Verstappen's Instagram account has 'liked' a post which criticises Red Bull over their decision to drop Liam Lawson after just two races of the 2025 F1 season.

Red Bull confirmed on Thursday morning that Yuki Tsunoda would step up from Racing Bulls to replace Lawson from the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.

Lawson failed to score a point in either of his two race weekends for Red Bull, and told Sky Sports F1 after the Chinese Grand Prix that he needed 'time' to adapt to the unique characteristics of the Red Bull car - something he accepted he was not likely to be given.

Still, initial reports from Autosport after the race that a swap was being considered, pending a Red Bull 'emergency meeting', took many fans and pundits aback.

Lawson will now move back down to the Racing Bulls team from Japan, making the team's decision a straight swap with Tsunoda.

The Kiwi will hope to get his season on track without the pressure of driving a car that is largely tailored towards Verstappen's own driving style - of which Tsunoda's own style more closely matches.

Verstappen has a close relationship with Tsunoda off the track and their partnership at Red Bull may be season-altering for the Milton Keynes-based team.

But the Dutchman appears to have made his feelings clear on his team's decision to drop Lawson after just two Grands Prix.

His Instagram account 'liked' a post from former Caterham F1 driver and Netherlands compatriot Giedo van der Garde, who accused Red Bull of 'crush[ing]' Lawson's 'spirit'.

He also wrote: "Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion, this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements.

"Don't forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in to achieve the level where he is now.

"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."

Verstappen set to welcome another new Red Bull team-mate

Verstappen has yet to provide any further comment publicly but will now be preparing to drive alongside his third Red Bull team-mate in four races.

Sergio Perez was dropped at the end of last season following a series of difficult performances, with the Mexican losing confidence in the balance of the car as Red Bull failed to capitalise on their early-season pace in terms of development.

Verstappen still won his fourth Drivers' Championship but faces an uphill battle to do so again in 2025, with McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri securing one win each from the opening two Grands Prix.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton won the sprint race in China, having led Verstappen from pole for much of the 19 laps.

However, the Dutchman simply couldn't keep up with the seven-time world champion in the second half of the race and he was overtaken by Piastri to finish third.

He also struggled for pace throughout most of the race proper, but a strong final stint propelled him to putting in similar lap times to the leaders and he overtook Charles Leclerc to finish fourth.

Tsunoda's response to Red Bull promotion

In a video posted to Racing Bulls' official Twitter account, Tsunoda reacted to news of his promotion to the Red Bull team.

"Hey guys, Yuki here," he began. "I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, and to the amazing VCARB fans, for such an amazing ride and so many special memories.

"I'm staying in the Red Bull family, so I won't be far. I'll see you guys around the paddock."

He posted an Instagram photo of him in a Red Bull race suit, with the caption: "Ready for the challenge."