- Red Bull have made the ruthless call to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda
- Helmut Marko has admitted Verstappen is ‘not happy’ with the axeing
- Marko is confident that Red Bull’s brutal decision will prove to be the right one
Helmut Marko has admitted Max Verstappen is ‘not happy’ with Red Bull’s brutal axeing of his team-mate Liam Lawson.
Red Bull made the call this week after a dismal start to the season for Lawson, who failed to register a single point in his first two races since replacing Sergio Perez.
Yuki Tsunoda will now take over from Lawson ahead of next week’s Japanese Grand Prix, but the move does not appear to have Verstappen’s blessing.
The four-time world champion liked an Instagram post suggesting Christian Horner getting rid of Lawson just two races into his Red Bull career amounted to ‘bullying’.
Horner’s key advisor, Marko, has conceded Verstappen is unhappy, but insists the decision to move on from Lawson was necessary, and believes it will give Verstappen a better chance of winning another world title.
‘We know Max is not happy,’ Marko told De Telegraaf. ‘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.
Max Verstappen’s team-mate Liam Lawson (left) was axed by Red Bull earlier this week
Lawson will be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda (pictured) ahead of next week’s Japanese Grand Prix
Helmut Marko has admitted Verstappen is ‘not happy’ that Lawson has been demoted
‘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.’
Lawson has been demoted to feeder team Racing Bulls where he will get the chance to bounce back over the coming weeks.
Red Bull are banking on Tsunoda hitting the ground running following his promotion, and Marko has backed him to step up and prove Red Bull have made the right call.
When asked how the team would react if Lawson outperforms Tsunoda in qualifying next week, Marko responded: ‘The Racing Bull is a very fast car in qualifying. A little less so in the races.
‘But Tsunoda has already shown that he can leave many experienced drivers behind him in that car. We will see next week.’
Meanwhile, Lawson broke his silence on his axeing in a moving Instagram post on Thursday night.
Marko is adamant the call to replace Lawson with Tsunoda will help to benefit Verstappen
Lawson broke his silence on his brutal axeing in a moving Instagram post on Thursday night
The New Zealander wrote: ‘Being a Red Bull Racing 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.
‘Thank you to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.’
