Max Verstappen has sensationally liked an Instagram post criticising Red Bull's decision to sack Liam Lawson after just two races.
The post by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde suggested the move was "closer to bullying" than a strategic change.
Verstappen reportedly liked the critical post before quickly withdrawing the like, though not before eagle-eyed fans had seen it.
The three-time world champion's apparent show of support comes as Red Bull's brutal decision has been scrutinised by figures throughout the Formula One world.
Max Verstappen has sensationally liked an Instagram post criticising Red Bull's decision to sack Liam Lawson after just two races
GETTY/PA
Lawson will be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda for next week's Japanese Grand Prix.
Van der Garde, a former Caterham and Sauber driver, blasted Red Bull for "crushing Lawson's spirit" after "knowingly" giving him just two races.
"I'm getting a bit tired of all the comments that Formula One is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you're under-deliver you've gotta face the consequences," Van der Garde wrote on Instagram.
Max Verstappen has unliked a post that accused Christian Horner of bullying Liam Lawson
"Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion, this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements."
The Dutch ex-F1 driver added: "They made a decision - fully aware - gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit."
Van der Garde also urged Lawson to "keep his head up" and "trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong."
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Lawson has struggled at the start of the 2025 season, crashing out of the rain-affected Australian Grand Prix after finishing 18th in qualifying.
A week later at the Chinese Grand Prix, he qualified last and finished 18th in the race.
His brief stint with Red Bull marks the shortest amount of time a driver has spent in a Formula One seat in history, excluding cases of illness and injury.
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His two-race stint surpasses that of Yuji Ide, who raced four times for Super Aguri in 2006.
On Thursday, Horner explained that while the team had a duty of care to nurture Lawson's talents, his performances had not been up to par.
Max Verstappen had backed Liam Lawson prior to Red Bull's decision to demote their young driver
PA
The Red Bull boss added that Lawson had found it difficult to handle the RB21.
Verstappen and Tsunoda are currently preparing for the Japanese Grand Prix, which will take place on April 6.
