Max Verstappen has asserted that “it’s not necessary to share everything in public” as he was tight-lipped regarding Red Bull’s mid-season driver change in Formula 1.
Liam Lawson enduring a scoreless opening to 2025 prompted Red Bull to intervene two rounds into the campaign as the Kiwi has swapped places with Yuki Tsunoda.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed that Verstappen was displeased with the choice amid his argument that making the RB21 more driveable is a bigger concern.
Verstappen expressed that his thoughts on the subject had been communicated to Red Bull, though he was unwilling to expand on what that conversation comprised.
“My reaction was shared with the team, but in general, you know, about not only the swap, but about everything,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“We discussed that already during last weekend, race weekend, back at the factory.”
When asked whether he agreed with the decision, Verstappen responded: “Like I 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.”
Verstappen insists social media like ‘not a mistake’
Verstappen appeared to make his stance clear when he liked an Instagram post from his compatriot Giedo van der Garde, who indicated Lawson deserved more time.
The Dutchman proclaimed that interacting with the erstwhile F1 driver’s extensive statement, which described Red Bull’s switch as a “panic move”, wasn’t an accident.
“Well, I liked the text, so I guess that speaks for itself, right?” the Dutchman teased.
He added: “It was not a mistake. It happens sometimes, you click on something [you don’t intend to]!”
Verstappen highlights key to Red Bull problems
Lawson’s demotion to Racing Bulls has seen him become the fourth driver since 2019 to have struggled alongside Verstappen and lost their seat with the senior side.
Verstappen, who sits second in the Drivers’ Championship, has reiterated that improvements to Red Bull’s capricious RB21 machine will mitigate the team’s problems.
“Well, I think our main issue is that our car is not where we want it to be,” he explained.
“I think everyone knows that within the team as well and that’s what I focus on, to be honest.
“Because as soon as the car is more competitive and more driveable in general, then I think even in the other car, in the second car, it will come to you anyway a bit more naturally.”
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