Max Verstappen has liked an Instagram post criticising Red Bull for dropping Liam Lawson after just two races with the team.

The post was made by former Formula One driver Giedo van der Garde.

Lawson had been promoted from sister team Racing Bulls for the 2025 season after Sergio Perez left at the end of last term, but after crashing out of the Australian Grand Prix and qualifying last in China, he has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

Van der Garde, Verstappen's Dutch compatriot, defended Lawson and said that he was "getting a bit tired" of drivers having to deliver or face the consequences despite huge pressure on them.

"Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion, this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements," he wrote.

"They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit.

"Don't forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in his career so far to achieve the level where he is now. Yes, he underperformed the first two races -- but if anyone's aware of that, it's himself."

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Giedo van der Garde (@gvandergarde)

Van der Garde also appealed for Lawson to "trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong."

Among those who have liked the post alongside Verstappen is former Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly, who was dropped from the team in 2019.

It has been reported by Dutch media that Verstappen was unhappy at the decision to demote Lawson after such a short period of time.

Lawson, meanwhile, used his own social media channels to comment.

He said: "Being a Red Bull driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it's what I've worked towards my whole life.

"It's tough, but I'm grateful for everything that's brought me to this point. To every one of you who's stood by me, thank you for all the support, it means the world."