Red Bull Faces Backlash Over Lawson's Demotion After Just Two Races

Max Verstappen subtly criticizes the decision as Yuki Tsunoda prepares for his debut at the Japanese Grand Prix, underlining the team's high-pressure dynamics.

Red Bull Racing demoted Liam Lawson after two races, replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen expressed disapproval by liking a critical Instagram post and stating it reflected his views on the decision.
Team principal Christian Horner described the move as 'cruel to be kind,' emphasizing Lawson's future potential despite the setback.
Yuki Tsunoda acknowledged the intense pressure of his promotion, which coincides with his home Grand Prix and Honda's final season with Red Bull.
Critics, including former driver Giedo van der Garde, accused Red Bull of mishandling Lawson, highlighting the team's history of rapid driver changes and Verstappen-focused car design.