According to Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen is “not happy” with Red Bull’s decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two race weekends.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that four-time champion Max Verstappen is “not happy” after the team decided to drop Liam Lawson ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

After just two race weekends of his rookie Formula 1 season, Red Bull announced that Lawson is moving back to its sister team Racing Bulls, and Yuki Tsunoda will be taking the spot alongside Verstappen from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards.

The Milton Keynes squad assessed both Lawson and Tsunoda in the latter stages of the 2024 season to decide who would replace Sergio Perez in the team for 2025. Despite the Japanese driver’s four-year experience in Racing Bulls, they opted to sign Lawson, citing his ability to consistently perform under pressure. However, after just three races, including the sprint race in China, the team has made a U-turn on this choice.

After the announcement was made yesterday, Marko has revealed to De Telegraaf that Verstappen is not happy with the decision. He explained:

“We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars at the front. Not only for the constructors’ championship but also to help Max to his fifth world title. Then you can achieve more strategically in races. We can use Yuki’s experience and form now. That counts.

“At the end of the day, that is to the advantage of the team, and that also means to the advantage of Max.”

Speaking before the team made the final decision, Marko also explained why the team didn’t choose Tsunoda in the first place:

“Yuki was too inconsistent. That’s why we unanimously decided on Lawson. But under the increased pressure, he couldn’t deliver, right from the first day in Australia. Then he went into a downward spiral. It’s like a battered boxer; it’s very difficult to get out of it. In that sense, it was a mistake.”