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Newly axed Red Bull driver Liam Lawson has found an unexpected wave of solidarity from his peers—including teammate Max Verstappen—after his abrupt removal from the team’s second seat. The 23-year-old new Zealander was sidelined just two races into the 2025 season, following a DNF in Melbourne and a middling 16th-place finish in Shanghai. His replacement, Yuki Tsunoda, now steps into the spotlight, but the decision has divided the Formula 1 community.
While Verstappen subtly hinted at disapproval, three current drivers have quietly amplified the backlash, rallying behind Lawson in a show of support that underscores growing unease over Red Bull’s ruthless driver strategy.
Formula 1 stars amplify Liam Lawson backlash
The controversy around Lawson’s demotion took a dramatic turn when Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Sauber veteran Nico Hulkenberg, and McLaren star Oscar Piastri joined Max Verstappen in a silent but telling gesture of dissent. All three drivers “liked” a scathing Instagram post by ex-F1 racer Giedo van der Garde, who slammed Red Bull’s decision as “closer to bullying or a panic move” than rational strategy.
Van der Garde’s viral critique highlighted the harsh reality of Liam Lawson’s situation: the Kiwi was handed just two races to prove himself before being sidelined, despite years of dedication and success in junior categories. Gasly, who faced a similar fate in 2019 when Red Bull demoted him mid-season, echoed this sentiment with his silent endorsement. Hulkenberg, a seasoned campaigner familiar with F1’s cutthroat nature, and Piastri—a rookie sensation himself—added weight to the outcry, though Piastri later unliked the post, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes pressures.
The backlash reflects broader questions about Red Bull’s treatment of young talent. While Tsunoda’s promotion aligns with their win-now mentality, critics argue it risks alienating drivers who need time to adapt. Liam Lawson’s brief stint—paired with Verstappen’s dominance—left little room for error, a reality Gasly knows all too well. His 2019 struggles alongside Max Verstappen culminated in a public demotion, a scenario Lawson now mirrors.
For now, Tsunoda prepares for a high-stakes debut at Suzuka, his home race, while Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls—a move framed as a “strategic reset.” But the quiet revolt from Gasly, Hulkenberg, and Piastri suggests Red Bull’s decision has struck a nerve. In a sport where loyalty is fleeting, this united front of silent support underscores a rare moment of camaraderie in F1’s hyper-competitive arena.
