SHOCK 'N LAW

Demotion stunned Liam

- AMOS MURPHY

LIAM LAWSON has admitted he was "shocked" by Red Bull's decision to axe him after just two races.

Lawson failed to complete the weather-affected season opener in Australia before finishing 12th at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Despite having raced just twice for Red Bull, they have cut their losses and promoted Yuki Tsunoda (inset) from sister team Racing Bulls ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

In his first interview since his demotion back to Racing Bulls, Lawson said: "It was definitely a shock, honestly.