Red Bull reveal Verstappen talk after driver swap frustration

Red Bull motorsport advisor has revealed what he told Max Verstappen following the driver swap of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, a decision which made the Dutchman unhappy.

It was announced by the Milton Keynes-based team last Thursday that Lawson and Tsunoda would swap seats from this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. 

As a result, Tsunoda will be alongside Verstappen for the Japanese driver's home race. 

In partnering the four-time world champion, Tsunoda becomes Verstappen's fifth different team-mate in seven years.

Verstappen is known to be unhappy with the call to demote Lawson back to Racing Bulls after just two races, and called for the New Zealander to be given more time in the difficult RB21.

However, Marko has revealed that he told Verstappen that a change of second driver was required in his pursuit of a fifth consecutive F1 drivers' title.

"That conclusion [to give Lawson more time] is correct, he has expressed that," Marko confirmed to Formel1.de. 

"But we explained to Max that in order to win the championship we have to do everything we can to get two cars in the top 10. 

Max stated that the car is difficult to drive and that Lawson's performance would also improve if the car was better."

Why promote Tsunoda now?

The demotion of Lawson and the promotion of Tsunoda after two rounds has raised a key question: why was the 24-year-old not chosen as Sergio Perez's replacement?

Marko has explained that it was due to Tsunoda being inconsistent, but that he has since become a more well-rounded driver.

"All the decisions were made unanimously," insisted Marko. "Tsunoda is a fast driver, we know that, but he had his highs and lows. 

"That's why we thought Lawson would be the better and stronger candidate. But as I said before, Yuki has gone through a transformation. 

"He has changed management and in this situation, he is simply the best option."