Verstappen disagrees with sudden Red Bull driver swap - report

Max Verstappen is disgruntled with Red Bull's decision to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda, according to a report.

Dutch media reported on Tuesday evening that Red Bull has made the decision to carry out a driver swap ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix next week.

Rumours of such a swap were generated soon after the Chinese Grand Prix, which was another tough affair for Lawson.

The New Zealander has qualified at the back of the grid in his first two races with Red Bull and has not been close to clinching a point.

Lawson was only signed to Red Bull at the end of last year as a replacement for Sergio Perez, who endured a dismal final campaign with the team.

Tsunoda's promotion to Red Bull is set to come in his fifth F1 season, but according to De Telegraaf, Verstappen is not pleased with how the situation has been managed by Red Bull.

The reputable Dutch publication states: “One can guess what Verstappen himself thinks of the decision of Red Bull's management to victimise Liam Lawson after only two races in favour of Yuki Tsunoda.

“The Limburger [referring to the region Verstappen is from] also disagrees with the team management's decision to intervene so soon.” 

Red Bull has not had the smoothest start to the new campaign as aside from Lawson's struggles, the team is being out-paced by rival McLaren.

The Milton Keynes-based squad evidently needs a driver who can secure championship points before its chances for the season ahead are evaporated.