- Red Bull has made the ruthless call to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda
- Helmut Marko has admitted that Verstappen is 'not happy' with the ax
- Marko is convinced that Red Bull's brutal decision will prove to be the right one
Helmut Marko has admitted that Max Verstappen is 'not happy' with Red Bull's brutal ax from his teammate Liam Lawson.
Red Bull called this week after a gloomy start of the season for Lawson, who did not register any point in his first two races since he replaced Sergio Perez.
Yuki Tsunoda will now take over Lawson prior to next week's Japanese Grand Prix, but the move does not seem to have the blessing of Verstappen.
The four-fold world champion loved an Instagram post, which lost Christian Horner Lawson, only two races in his Red Bull career was 'bullying'.
Horner's most important adviser, Marko, has admitted that Verstappen is unhappy, but insists that the decision to continue with Lawson was necessary and believes that Verstappen will give a better chance to win a new world title.
“We know that Max is not happy,” Marko told De Telegraaf. 'But we need two cars in the front. Not only for the championship of the constructors, but also to help Max to his fifth world title. Then you can reach more strategic in races.
Max Verstappen's teammate Liam Lawson (left) was taught by Red Bull earlier this week
Lawson is being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda (photo) prior to next week's Japanese Grand Prix
Helmut Marko has admitted that Verstappen is 'not happy' that Lawson has been relegated
'We can now use the experience and form of Yuki. That counts. At the end of the day that is in favor of the team. And that also means Max in favor. '
Lawson has been relegated to Feeder Team Racing Bulls where he gets the chance to bounce back in the coming weeks.
Red Bull is banking on Tsunoda who touches the ground after his promotion, and Marko has supported him to act and prove that Red Bull made the right call.
When asked how the team would respond if Lawson performs better than Tsunoda in qualifying next week, Marko replied: 'The Racing Bull is a very fast car in qualifying. A little less in the races.
'But Tsunoda has already shown that he can leave many experienced drivers behind him in that car. We will see next week. '
Lawson broke his silence on his ax in a moving Instagram post on Thursday evening.
Marko is determined the call to replace Lawson with Tsunoda will work on the 'benefit' of Verstappen
Lawson broke his silence at his brutal ax in a moving Instagram post on Thursday evening
De Nieuw -Zeelander wrote: 'Being a Red Bull Racing driver has been my dream since I was a child, it is what I have worked on all my life.
'It's difficult, but I am grateful for everything that has brought me so far.
'For everyone who has stood with me, thanks for all the support it means the world.
“Thanks to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the warm welcome, I am excited and ready to work in one of my favorite places.”
