Max Verstappen will have his sixth Red Bull teammate since joining the team in 2016 at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson has been dropped after just two Grand Prix in 2025. The New Zealander had been picked over Yuki Tsunoda to replace Sergio Perez for the season.
Now, the Japanese driver will be promoted from Racing Bulls into the second Red Bull seat for the remainder of the season. The decision comes after Lawson failed to reach Q1 or score a point in Melbourne and Shanghai – qualifying last in the latter.
The 23-year-old has had the shortest Red Bull career in F1 history as hw struggled to get to grips with the nature of the RB21. Lawson is the fourth Verstappen teammate to be dropped by the Milton Keynes squad since 2019.
Red Bull’s 2025 challenger has proven difficult to handle, which its issues not being an easy fix. Verstappen is working hard behind the scenes to aid the team and improve the car – and he has hinted that changing the second driver is not the answer.
Verstappen ‘is not happy’ with Lawson’s demotion as he fears it could ‘ruin’ his career. The Kiwi driver had seemed to have Red Bull’s full backing over the winter as they chose him to partner with the four-time champion over Tsunoda.
While Verstappen has not yet said anything publicly about Lawson’s exit, he may have given away his thoughts on social media.
Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde labelled Red Bull’s decision as ‘bullying’ on Instagram. The Dutchman described it as a ‘panic move’ after giving Lawson just two races only to ‘crush his spirit’ heading into Suzuka.
Eagle-eyed fans have noticed that Verstappen has liked van der Garde’s post. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice that the four-time champion could also soon be on the move.
One fan wrote: “Max is so done with that team.” while another feels that: “Max isn’t happy!!”
One user believes: “Red Bull are just pushing max further and further away at this point.” Another is anticipating more drama to come behind the scenes in Milton Keynes: “There maybe be trouble ahead!”
Some fans applauded Verstappen for seemingly coming to Lawson’s defence as one wrote: “As he should. Dude is probably tired of getting more teammates than upgrades to the car he has to drive every week.”
Finally, one fan is convinced the 27-year-old will be on the move in 2026: “He’s leaving after this year.”
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future is nothing new. He has been linked with a move away from Red Bull since 2024 when the internal conflict at the team led to several key figures’ departures, including Adrian Newey.
Many have wondered if the Dutchman could be next. Verstappen has a contract until 2028 with Red Bull, but rumours have suggested he may not see out that deal.
Verstappen could leave Red Bull before 2026 if he is dissatisfied with the team’s progress. Their current trajectory with the RB21 has cast doubt over whether they will be competitive with their own power unit – in collaboration with Ford.
Verstappen is convinced Mercedes will have the quickest engine come 2026. The Silver Arrows had tried to sign the four-time champion as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement – and they could reignite that interest if Verstappen’s apparent disappointment with Red Bull continues.
Aston Martin have also been linked with the Dutchman – a move which would make sense given Newey is spearheading the operation with Honda engines.
Verstappen is already in negotiations with the team, with rumours about his future set to rumble throughout 2025.
