Max Verstappen: I've told the team everything I think about the replacement.

      On Thursday in Suzuka, Max Verstappen publicly commented for the first time on Red Bull Racing's decision to replace his teammate Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda.

      When it became known about the replacement, former Formula 1 driver Guido van der Garde posted a message on social media criticizing the Red Bull management and expressing support for Lawson. Max liked this message and confirmed in Japan that he subscribed to van der Garde's words.

      Max Verstappen: "I 'liked' the comment because I liked the text. I think that speaks for itself, right? It's not like I put a "like" by mistake.

      I informed the team of my opinion not only about the replacement, but about everything in general. We discussed this during the last race weekend, and then at the base. I've told the team everything I think about everything that's going on. Some things are better not to take out into the public space. I think it would be better in this case.

      As I said, I've discussed everything with the team, and they know what I think about all this. I think I'd better stop there."

      When asked if he had spoken to Lawson after the news of Liam's transfer to Racing Bulls, Max repeated his thought.: "I've discussed everything with the team. I've talked to Liam, and that's all I can say on the subject.

      People say Liam ran 11 races or so, they were all held at different times. In modern Formula 1, there is a very busy calendar, so it is especially difficult for a debutant at the beginning of the season. He competed on tracks he doesn't know, and there was a sprint on the second weekend. None of this helped.

      It's hard for me to say how difficult our car is to drive, because I haven't driven other teams' cars in my career. I'm just trying to adapt to the situation as well as I can."