Jos Verstappen has shown his support for Liam Lawson following the New Zealander's demotion from Red Bull Racing to Racing Bulls after just two race weekends.
Lawson has been replaced by the more experienced Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
Responding to a social media post from Racing Bulls welcoming Lawson to the team, the father of four-time world champion Max Verstappen wrote: "I really hope you go do a fantastic job. He deserves to be in F1."
The move comes as a surprise U-turn from the Milton Keynes outfit, with Tsunoda now set to partner Max Verstappen.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner described the decision as a "sporting decision" aimed at helping the team's championship ambitions.
The team is fighting to defend the drivers' championship and reclaim the constructors' title this season.
Horner acknowledged that Lawson had struggled with the RB21 car during the first two races of the season.
The team believes Tsunoda's four seasons of experience with the sister team will prove valuable in developing the current car.
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The Japanese driver will make his debut for the senior Red Bull team at his home race, with the Japanese Grand Prix taking place from 4-6 April at Suzuka Circuit.
Explaining the decision in more detail, Horner said: "It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and, as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch."
"We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision."
READ MORE: Liam Lawson's girlfriend uploads picture that speaks volumes after Christian Horner axes Red Bull star
Horner added: "We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls."
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that Max Verstappen is not pleased with the decision to replace Lawson.
"We know Max is not happy," Marko admitted.
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However, Marko defended the switch by emphasising the team's championship goals.
"But we need two cars at the front. Not only for the constructors' championship, but also to help Max to his fifth world title," he explained.
The Austrian believes Tsunoda's experience will benefit the team strategically during 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," Marko concluded.
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Lawson has been replaced by the more experienced Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
Responding to a social media post from Racing Bulls welcoming Lawson to the team, the father of four-time world champion Max Verstappen wrote: "I really hope you go do a fantastic job. He deserves to be in F1."
The move comes as a surprise U-turn from the Milton Keynes outfit, with Tsunoda now set to partner Max Verstappen.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner described the decision as a "sporting decision" aimed at helping the team's championship ambitions.
The team is fighting to defend the drivers' championship and reclaim the constructors' title this season.
Horner acknowledged that Lawson had struggled with the RB21 car during the first two races of the season.
The team believes Tsunoda's four seasons of experience with the sister team will prove valuable in developing the current car.
JUST IN: Diego Maradona's daughter walks out of court after hearing Argentina football icon 'died in agony'
The Japanese driver will make his debut for the senior Red Bull team at his home race, with the Japanese Grand Prix taking place from 4-6 April at Suzuka Circuit.
Explaining the decision in more detail, Horner said: "It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and, as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch."
"We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision."
READ MORE: Liam Lawson's girlfriend uploads picture that speaks volumes after Christian Horner axes Red Bull star
Horner added: "We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls."
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that Max Verstappen is not pleased with the decision to replace Lawson.
"We know Max is not happy," Marko admitted.
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However, Marko defended the switch by emphasising the team's championship goals.
"But we need two cars at the front. Not only for the constructors' championship, but also to help Max to his fifth world title," he explained.
The Austrian believes Tsunoda's experience will benefit the team strategically during 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," Marko concluded.
Find Out More...