Red Bull backed up after 'bullying' accusation as Christian Horner gets new support

was right to drop after just two races and replace him with , according to Express Sport readers. The decision was widely debated and criticised in the paddock and among fans, with one former F1 driver even comparing the treatment of the New Zealander to 'bullying'.

Lawson was promoted to Red Bull over the winter to replace Sergio Perez, whose dreadful end to the 2024 campaign ended the team's hopes of fighting for the Constructors' Championship. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old didn't fare any better and was ousted after just two race weekends without a point or Q2 progression to his name. Tsunoda was promoted in his place, having impressed Helmut Marko and team principal Laurent Mekies with a rip-roaring start to the campaign at Racing Bulls. However, some didn't take the decision to drop Lawson well.

On Instagram, former Caterham F1 driver Giedo van der Garde wrote: "I'm getting a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you're underdeliver you've gotta face the consequences.

"Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements. They 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." This post was liked by Max Verstappen, who explained ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix that this was not a mistake and was instead a clear expression of his feelings toward the situation.

However, according to Express Sport readers, Horner made the right call. In a survey of 4,178 Express Sport readers, 58 per cent believed that Red Bull were correct to dismiss Lawson off the back of his challenging start to the campaign.

Furthermore, when asked who should replace the New Zealander in the cockpit alongside Verstappen, 54 per cent of those surveyed said Tsunoda. The next most popular option was Daniel Ricciardo, although Marko later revealed that the experienced Australian was never in the conversation.