It was "no mistake" that Max Verstappen liked a post from former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde, the Netherlands, who wrote that Red Bull's replacement of the second driver was "bullying, or a panic move".
Verstappen himself says to journalists ahead of the weekend's race in Japan.
I liked the comment, the post, so I assume it speaks for itself, right? says Verstappen.
The Dutchman claims to have told the team how he views replacing Lawson with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda after just two racing weekends.
The 23-year-old Lawson, who has yet to complete a full Formula 1 season, crashed in the premiere in Melbourne and came 14th and 12th respectively in Shanghai's two races (the first in sprint).
Verstappen has won four consecutive World Championship titles, but is second in the overall standings after British driver Lando Norris, McLaren. Norris won the premiere and was second in Shanghai after teammate Oscar Piastri.
