Max Verstappen has publicly defended former Red Bull team-mate Liam Lawson after the Kiwi driver was dropped following just two races with the team.
The three-time world champion recently liked an Instagram post by ex-F1 driver Giedo van der Garde which described Red Bull's decision as "close to bullying".
Van der Garde wrote: "You gotta perform [in F1]... but in my opinion this comes closer to bullying. [Red Bull] gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit."
Lawson, 23, was promoted to Red Bull's first team after impressing with their B-team Racing Bulls last season, only to be demoted back after minimal opportunity to prove himself.
Max Verstappen has publicly defended former Red Bull team-mate Liam Lawson after the Kiwi driver was dropped following just two races with the team
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The New Zealander had earned his opportunity with Red Bull after recording four points in six races with Racing Bulls last season when replacing Daniel Ricciardo.
His brief stint at the top team proved challenging. In Australia, he failed to finish after being caught on dry tyres in wet conditions, crashing out after 47 laps.
The China Grand Prix weekend saw further struggles as he qualified last for both the Sprint Race and Grand Prix, eventually finishing 12th.
Red Bull opted to replace him with Yuki Tsunoda, sending Lawson back to Racing Bulls.
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Liam Lawson was axed by Red Bull after struggling during races in Australia and China
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Verstappen clarified his stance ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix when questioned about his social media activity.
"I liked the comment, the text, so I guess that speaks for itself, right?" the Dutchman said.
He was reluctant to elaborate further on the situation.
"Everything has been shared with the team, how I think about everything," Verstappen added.
"Sometimes it's not necessary, you know, to always share and say everything in public."
Lawson himself admitted being "surprised" by the demotion but remains positive about his return to Racing Bulls.
"Obviously it's very early in the season... It's been a strong start to the season [for VCARB] so I guess it's exciting for me to now come here in this position," he said.
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Red Bull's decision has faced widespread criticism from across the Formula 1 paddock, however.
Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in F1 history, called the decision "pretty harsh" given Lawson's limited opportunity.
Fans, drivers and pundits have argued Lawson deserved more time to adapt to his new car, with the 23-year-old now aiming to prove himself once again.
Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda are now Red Bull team-mates ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix
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Explaining the decision to demote Lawson, Red Bull chief Christian Horner said: "Of course, it's horrible because you're taking away someone's dreams and aspirations, but sometimes you've got to be cruel to be kind, and I think that in this instance, this is not the end for Liam.
"I was very clear with him, is that it's a sample of two races. We have to accept, I think we were asking too much of him too soon.
“And so this is for him to, again, nurture that talent that we know that he has, back in the Racing Bulls seat, whilst giving Yuki the opportunity and looking to make use of the experience that he has."
