Verstappen and others endorse Van der Garde's Red Bull criticism · RaceFans

Former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde has struck a chord among some on the grid today with a strongly-worded criticism of Red Bull.

Van der Garde, who raced in F1 12 years ago, is unimpressed with Red Bull’s treatment of Liam Lawson. The team announced today it has dropped the 23-year-old after his first two appearances for the team this year.

“I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you […] underdeliver you’ve got [to] face the consequences,” van der Garde wrote in a social media post.

“Yes, you got [to] perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements.”

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Red Bull announced at the end of last year it had chosen Lawson to take Sergio Perez’s place in the team. But the team confirmed today he has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda with immediate effect as he struggled with the team’s car at the first two races.

“They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit,” van der Garde continued.

“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.

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“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.”

Van der Garde ended his post urging Lawson to “trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong.”

On Instagram, four current F1 drivers ‘liked’ the post in reaction, including Lawson’s former team mate Max Verstappen. Pierre Gasly, whom Red Bull dropped after 12 appearances for them in 2019 did the same, as did McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg. Former Red Bull junior driver Richard Verschoor, who currently races in Formula 2, did the same.