Red Bul: Max Verstappen unhappy and surprised by Yuki Tsunoda – Liam Lawson swap. Max Verstappen reportedly did not appreciate the decision made by the Horner-Marko duo. .

The Dubai Meeting
On Tuesday evening, news broke that Red Bull had decided to promote Yuki Tsunoda to the main team while demoting Liam Lawson back to Racing Bulls after just two race weekends in the 2025 Formula 1 season.

A key factor in the decision was Honda’s financial backing, as the Japanese manufacturer was willing to cover the costs to ensure Yuki Tsunoda would be driving in its home race at Suzuka on April 6.

The meeting took place in Dubai, the home of Red Bull owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, and was reportedly orchestrated by Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. Notably, only three months ago, Red Bull had terminated Sergio Perez’s multi-year contract by paying an €18 million penalty and had overlooked Yuki Tsunoda for a promotion alongside Max Verstappen, choosing Liam Lawson instead due to his “mental strength.”

Max Verstappen Is Not Pleased
Dutch media outlets close to Max Verstappen, such as *De Telegraaf* and *GPBlog*, have highlighted that Max was displeased with Red Bull’s decision to dismiss Liam Lawson. Reports indicate that the reigning champion was “surprised” by the way the team is being managed and concerned that “instead of addressing the car’s issues, the blame has been placed on the driver.” Additionally, it has been emphasized that the idea of Verstappen wielding total power within the team is inaccurate, and that he actually “disagrees with the decision” to make such a sudden change.

With Red Bull currently described by the four-time world champion as the “fourth-best team” on the grid and with performance-based exit clauses in Max Verstappen’s contract, the Dutchman’s dissatisfaction is certainly unwelcome news for the Milton Keynes-based team.

Meanwhile, Liam Lawson now holds an unfortunate record: with just two races contested, he becomes the Red Bull driver with the fewest starts, surpassing Robert Doornbos (3 races in 2006), Vitantonio Liuzzi (4 races in 2005), Pierre Gasly (12 races in 2019), Daniil Kvyat (21 races between 2015 and 2016), and Alexander Albon (26 races between 2019 and 2020).

The official confirmation of the Yuki Tsunoda – Liam Lawson swap is expected later this week.