Jos Verstappen has spoken out for the first time following the dramatic driver swap at Red Bull after just two races.
It was confirmed on Thursday morning that Liam Lawson would return to Racing Bulls from next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, whilst Yuki Tsunoda has been promoted to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
Lawson’s two-race spell for Red Bull is officially the shortest of any former driver of the Milton Keynes-based team; however, his form is not the cause of the change.
This is despite Lawson having failed to score points in the opening two rounds and progress past the first stage of qualifying in any format – he qualified 20th twice in China.
Red Bull has insisted that the change has taken place due to the Austrian outfit requiring Tsunoda’s experience to help the team improve the RB21.
Several issues have been encountered with the RB21 over the first two events in Australia and China, with even the reigning world champion having complained.
Lawson was having immense problems trying to extract performance from the car, whilst Verstappen is yet to qualify or finish outside the top four.
Nevertheless, the New Zealander has received significant support since his return to Racing Bulls was announced, including from Jos.
Commenting on Racing Bulls’ official Instagram post welcoming Lawson back to the team, Jos wrote: “I really hope you go and do a fantastic job. He deserves to be in F1.”
