Max Verstappen reacts to controversial Red Bull driver swap

Max Verstappen offered only one telling insight into his thoughts on the controversial driver swap at Red Bull that has resulted in Liam Lawson being axed as his team-mate after just two grands prix and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

It is the swiftest Red Bull has acted around a driver change in its 20 years in F1, and has created a wave of surprise in the paddock, despite Lawson's failure to get to grips with the RB21 over the first two grands prix in Australia and China.

Questioned for the first time on the decision made by team principal Christian Horner, advisor Helmut Marko and the rest of the board ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, Verstappen predominantly kept his cards close to his chest.

Asked simply for his reaction initially, Verstappen replied: "My reaction was shared with the team. In general about not only the swap, but about everything. We discussed it already during last weekend, race weekend, back at the factory."

As to whether he agreed with the decision, he said: "As I said, everything has been shared with the team. How I think about everything. Sometimes it's not necessary to always share and say everything in public. Think it's better."

There was, however, an Instagram post last week from a fellow Dutch driver, and former F1 driver and test driver, Giedo van der Garde, that Verstappen 'liked', offering an insight into his personal feelings on the matter.

Verstappen did not comment, other than clicking on the 'heart' icon, which many fans noted. In the post van der Garde, said Red Bull's decision was "closer to bullying or a panic move".

He further wrote: "They [Red Bull] made a decision - fully aware - gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit. Don’t forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in his career so far to achieve the level where he is now.

"I remember my own blood, sweat and tears - and that was to reach F1. Let alone driving for an absolute top team.

"Yes, he underperformed the first two races - but if anyone’s aware of that it’s himself. Perhaps he has suggested this himself, but if not I wish Liam all the strength and courage to get to the grid in Japan.

"Trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong."

Asked whether he shared van der Garde's opinions, he said: "Well, I liked the comment, the text, so I guess that speaks for itself, right? "

Pertinently, he added: "It was not a mistake - which happens sometimes when you click on something."