Red Bull reveal what Max Verstappen told them privately during 'emergency meeting' over Liam Lawson future

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed more details of the team's 'emergency meeting' with Max Verstappen ahead of the driver swap between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.

The team confirmed the decision to demote Lawson on Thursday, with Christian Horner claiming it was based on a 'duty of care' for the 23-year-old.

Lawson only finished one Grand Prix as a Red Bull driver following his debut crash in Australia, making him the shortest-serving driver in the team's history.

Max Verstappen has publicly disagreed with the decision to demote the Kiwi, with the world champion liking an Instagram post accusing the team of 'bullying' Lawson.

Speaking via Autosport, Marko was forced to come clean on Verstappen's stance on the situation.

"We know Max is not happy," Marko admitted.

"But we need two cars at the front, not only for the constructors championship but also to help Max win his fifth world title."

The Red Bull advisor then revealed some details of their 'emergency meeting' held before the demotion of Lawson, explaining Verstappen was very critical of the situation.

"That meeting was primarily about Max sitting down with the engineers and going through the next step," Marko explained.

"The aim is to calmly address Max's wishes and criticism. It's true that the RB21 is difficult to drive. The Racing Bulls is easier to handle and very fast on a qualifying lap. But in the race, it is clearly behind the Red Bull car."

Verstappen is said to firmly believe that the Red Bull car is the main issue, and the team should focus on building a car that can be driven to the limit by someone other than himself.

Max Verstappen - Getty

Following the confirmation Lawson took to Instagram to thank those who are continuing to support him during these struggles.

He wrote: “Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life.

"It’s tough, but I'm grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world."