Verstappen criticizes Red Bull's early decision to drop Lawson

Max Verstappen has publicly expressed his disagreement with Red Bull's decision to demote Liam Lawson back to Racing Bulls after just two Grands Prix in the 2025 season. Verstappen argued that two races, especially at unfamiliar circuits, was insufficient to properly evaluate a driver's potential at a top team.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's criticism highlights a significant tension within the Red Bull driver program regarding its notoriously short evaluation periods. The decision to promote and then demote a driver within a handful of races raises questions about long-term planning and driver development, potentially impacting the confidence of other talents within the Red Bull stable.

The details:

• Red Bull promoted Lawson from Racing Bulls to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season, giving the New Zealander a coveted seat alongside Verstappen.
• His stint lasted only the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix—two circuits he had never driven in Formula 1.
• Compounding the challenge, the RB21 was reportedly a difficult car to handle at the start of the year.
• After the Chinese Grand Prix, Lawson was sent back to Racing Bulls in a swap with Yuki Tsunoda.
• Verstappen specifically stated he "didn't agree with that at the time," calling two races "way too early to make a choice" and suggesting it "kill[s] someone's chance at a top team."

Looking ahead:

Despite the setback, Lawson has rebuilt his form at Racing Bulls and is confirmed to be on the grid for the 2026 season as the team leader alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the high-pressure, rapid-fire decision-making that defines the Red Bull driver program, even as Verstappen voices a rare internal dissent against its methods.