BREAKING: Red Bull Admit Verstappen’s Discontent Following L…read more
BREAKING: Red Bull Admit Verstappen’s Discontent Following L…read more
Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, has acknowledged that Max Verstappen is “not happy” with recent team decisions, adding to tensions within the reigning champions’ camp. The Dutch driver has already voiced frustration over the performance of Red Bull’s 2025 car, the RB21, and now faces further disappointment following a major change to the team’s driver lineup.
On Thursday, Red Bull announced an early-season driver swap, demoting Liam Lawson to the junior team, Racing Bulls, and promoting Yuki Tsunoda to partner Verstappen for the remainder of the season. This decision comes as Red Bull struggles in the 2025 campaign, currently sitting third in the Constructors’ Championship while rivals McLaren continue to gain ground.
Verstappen Opposes Red Bull’s Call
In an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Marko revealed that Verstappen disagreed with the decision to drop Lawson. However, the team felt the change was necessary to strengthen their lineup and improve race strategy.
“We know Max isn’t happy, but we need two competitive cars at the front not just for the Constructors’ Championship, but also to support Max in his pursuit of a fifth world title,” Marko stated. “Strategically, having both drivers in strong positions is crucial. Yuki’s experience and current form make him the better option right now. In the end, this benefits the team—and ultimately, Max too.”
Challenges Mount Red Bull
Red Bull’s initial decision to favor Lawson over Tsunoda for 2025 has now been reversed after a difficult start to the season. With Verstappen no longer dominating as in previous years, pressure is growing for Red Bull to respond to McLaren and Ferrari’s resurgence.
As the team heads to Suzuka for the next race, Verstappen’s reaction to the reshuffle and Tsunoda’s ability to deliver strong performances will be key in determining whether Red Bull can regain its position at the top of the standings.
