Verstappen dismayed by Red Bull's Lawson cull

Max Verstappen has indicated disquiet and dismay with his Red Bull team after they confirmed they will replace their driver Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda from sister team Racing Bulls.

- Giles Richards

Lawson has been dropped for the season before next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix after the New Zealander completed only two races, while Verstappen remains dissatisfied with the team's performance and their failure to bring a competitive car to the new season.

Shortly after the announcement that Lawson would be replaced, Verstappen appeared to suggest he was less than impressed with the team's handling of the situation when he liked a post on Instagram by the former driver Giedo van der Garde, who described Red Bull's treatment of Lawson as "closer to bullying or a panic move" and that they "gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit".

Last year Mercedes made no secret of their desire to sign Verstappen and he was also linked with a move to Aston Martin, who have broad ambitions and deep pockets. His unhappiness with how the season has progressed thus far and approval of the use of the word "panic" may cause interested parties to once more sense a potential opening with the Dutchman.