Outlets in New Zealand have slammed Red Bull for their treatment of Liam Lawson amid the all-but-confirmed news he will be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix.
News broke on Tuesday night through Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, that Lawson would be demoted back to Racing Bulls with his former teammate taking the wheel.
It comes just two races into Lawson's stint at the Red Bull senior team, making him their shortest-serving F1 driver in the team's history.
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Lawson crashed out on his debut in Australia and came home 16th before being promoted to 12th thanks to the disqualification of Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Pierre Gasly.
The news of Lawson's demotion has come as a surprise to many, but it has been met with serious discontent from his home nation of New Zealand.
Published by New Zealand Herald, one feature highlighted that it's Red Bull who is to blame for their handling of the situation, and branded the swap as 'almost unfathomable'.
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"It is Red Bull and not the 23-year-old Lawson who should shoulder the blame for the situation," they wrote.
"How could they not see the enormous risks in signing him for 2025 when he had just 11 grand prix over two seasons at their junior team under his belt?
"It is staggering that, having promoted him with such little experience in the first place, they are considering not giving him the time he needs to adapt and adjust," it continued.
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The piece also took direct aim at Christian Horner for his lack of support for Lawson, and highlighted the Kiwi's significant loss of track time throughout testing and practice so far.
Speaking on Wednesday, F1 expert Craig Slater revealed the team's decision to demote Lawson was 'kinder' than letting him continue in the seat.
"What I'm getting to understand is it's almost a duty of care scenario that Red Bull are evaluating in making that switch," Slater told Sky Sports News.
"He's talked about almost being at a loss in how to put things right, so the kinder thing to do to him, although it seems harsh and ruthless, is allow him to regroup."
Topics: Formula 1, Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins