PA Media/dpa
Suzuka, Japan
Max Verstappen has hinted that he disagreed with Red Bull’s decision to axe Liam Lawson after just two races.
New Zealander Lawson was ditched after a disappointing second outing in China, having crashed out on his debut for the team in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Tsunoda, who was overlooked in favour of Lawson when Sergio Perez was replaced in December, swaps places to move up to the senior team from Racing Bulls ahead of his home race in Japan this weekend.
Shortly after Red Bull’s announcement, Verstappen liked a post from former F1 driver Guido van der Garde which described the decision to replace Lawson as a “panic move”.
Asked for his view on the decision in Japan, the Dutchman said: “Well I liked the comment, so that speaks for itself. It (the like) was not a mistake.
“My reaction was shared with the team, how I think about everything.
Sometimes it is not necessary to share everything in public.
“I think our main issue is that our car is not where we want it to be. Everyone knows that and that is what I am focused on.
“As soon as the car is more competitive and more driveable in general, the second car will come to you anyway a bit more.”
While admitting he has had no assurances from team principal Christian Horner over how long he will be given to prove himself alongside four-time world champion Verstappen, Tsunoda is relaxed as he steps into a new car.
“I didn’t get any specific races or time that I have to prove myself,” Tsunoda said.
