Formula 1: Max Verstappen explains issue with Red Bull demoting Liam Lawson

Four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen has explained why he disagreed with Red Bull’s decision to demote Liam Lawson, just two rounds into this year’s season.

The Kiwi has done enough to secure a seat with sister team Racing Bulls for next year, following a topsy-turvy campaign.

Lawson started the year as Verstappen’s teammate, but was axed in favour of Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver himself has subsequently been demoted by Red Bull, with Isaak Hadjar promoted from Racing Bulls for next year. Instead, Tsunoda has been named as Red Bull’s reserve driver for 2026.

In the senior Red Bull team, Lawson crashed out in Melbourne, after being left out on slick tyres in the rain, and finished outside the points in Shanghai after qualifying last for both the sprint and the Grand Prix.

Liam Lawson was demoted to Racing Bulls just two rounds into the season. Photo / Red Bull

The Kiwi found his groove at Racing Bulls. A fifth-place finish in Azerbaijan highlighted his campaign.

Verstappen told Swedish outlet Viaplay that two grands prix were not enough of a chance for Lawson to prove himself.

“Because ultimately, someone is giving up their chance ... yes, then you’re ruining [that chance] at a top team,” he said.

“I have to say that Liam has done well at Racing Bulls.

“You could also say, ‘just leave it, I don’t care anymore’, but two races is far too early to make a decision. In the end, Yuki got in, and that shows how difficult it was.”

Tsunoda finished 17th in the championship, only accruing 30 points across his 22 rounds.

Red Bull dropped behind McLaren and Mercedes to finish third in the Constructors’ Championship this year.

While winners McLaren give equal treatment to both Drivers’ Championship winner Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Red Bull clearly favour Verstappen as their primary driver.

The Dutch competitor still believes Red Bull has the right approach.

“If I were the team boss myself, I would always put a clear number one and two in place,” Verstappen said.

“But of course, a number two who still scores enough points to compete for the constructors’ title. But a clear number one and two.”

Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.