Verstappen’s official Instagram account ‘liked’ a post from former Dutch F1 driver Giedo van der Garde just hours after Red Bull confirmed Lawson would return to Racing Bulls and Tsunoda was promoted to the main team from this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Lawson spent just two races at Red Bull and told Sky Sports F1 he was “shocked” by the decision.
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“I liked the comment, the text, so I guess that speaks for itself, right? It was not a mistake,” revealed Verstappen in Suzuka.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko also stated the reigning F1 world champion thinks the team “replaced Lawson too early” but “understands the decision”.
Verstappen, who trails Lando Norris by eight points in the Drivers’ Championship, refused to elaborate on his opinion on the swap to the media.
“My reaction was shared with the team but in general, about not only the swap, but about everything. We discussed that already during last weekend and back at the factory,” he said.
“Everything has been shared with the team, how I think about everything. Sometimes it’s not necessary to always share everything in public. I think it’s better.
“I have discussed everything with the team so the team knows how I think about everything and I think that’s enough to be honest.”
Asked by Sky Sports F1 whether he had talked to Lawson, Verstappen added: “I’ve discussed everything with the team, I’ve spoken to Liam and that’s all I can say about it.”
More to follow..
Sky Sports F1’s live Japanese GP schedule
Friday April 4
- 3am: Japanese GP Practice One (session starts at 3.30am)*
- 5.30am: Team Principals’ Press Conference
- 6.45am: Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 7am)*
- 8.15am: The F1 Show*
Saturday April 5
- 3.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts at 3.30am)*
- 6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
- 7am: Japanese GP Qualifying*
- 9am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday April 6
- 4.30am: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
- 8am: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
- 9am: Ted’s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula is at the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW -nNo contract, cancel anytime
