Max Verstappen has reportedly been left 'shaken' by Red Bull's decision to axe Liam Lawson just two races into the 2025 F1 season.
Lawson stepped up following the departure of Sergio Perez but has toiled during races in Australia and China so far.
Having failed to win Red Bull any points, the team have now decided to replace the New Zealander - with Yuki Tsunoda set to come in.
Red Bull confirmed their decision in a statement that read: "Following a difficult opening period for the season for Liam Lawson, Red Bull have made the decision that from the 2005 Japan GP, Yuki Tsunoda will drive for Red Bull and Liam will drive for Racing Bulls.
Max Verstappen has reportedly been left 'shaken' by Red Bull's decision to axe Liam Lawson just two races into the 2025 F1 season
REUTERS
"Red Bull are in the unique position of having four seats on the F1 grid, and as such the team have made the decision to exercise driver rotation that will see Yuki partner current and four-time world champion Max Verstappen."
According to the Daily Mail, however, Verstappen has been left 'shaken' by Red Bull's brutal decision.
The Dutchman had seemingly wanted Lawson to stay, despite his early teething problems.
But it's Tsunoda who will now partner up with Verstappen as the 27-year-old looks to win the F1 title for the fifth year on the trot.
Speaking after the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, Verstappen defended Lawson.
He suggested the youngster's issues were down to the car, stating: "If you look at the difference between the two drivers at the other teams, they are all closer together.
"It also shows that our car is extremely tricky. I think when you put Liam in the Racing Bulls' car, he goes harder. I really think so.
"That car is easier to drive than ours. I also notice that when I talk to Liam.
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu delivers health update after tennis star felt 'dizzy and faint' in Miami Open defeat
Max Verstappen defended Liam Lawson before the Red Bull star was brutally axed
REUTERS
"Last year, I didn't think the difference between him and Yuki Tsunoda was that big.
"Otherwise the team wouldn't make the choice to put him in at Red Bull either."
Meanwhile, Red Bull chief Christian Horner has opened up on the decision to sack Lawson.
"It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch," he said.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
"We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions: to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title, and this is a purely sporting decision."
Horner added: "We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki's experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.
"We welcome him to the team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.
"We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well."
Liam Lawson struggled during the Australian Grand Prix and Chinese Grand Prix before his Red Bull axing
REUTERS
Tsunoda will now race for Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix.
That race will take place on April 6 (6am).
