F1 Powerhouse Red Bull Faces Internal Strife
Red Bull Racing may be flying high on the Formula 1 leaderboard, but behind the scenes, the team is grappling with serious turbulence. The latest controversy erupted not on the racetrack, but online—when reigning World Champion Max Verstappen appeared to back criticism of his own team’s leadership by liking a post on Instagram that accused Christian Horner of “bullying” over the abrupt dismissal of teammate Liam Lawson.
What started as a team management decision has now blown up into a full-blown saga, placing Red Bull’s internal dynamics under a harsh spotlight. Verstappen’s social media activity—seemingly minor at first glance—has escalated into a symbol of deeper discontent within the team’s hierarchy. And with the Japanese Grand Prix looming, the drama couldn’t have come at a worse time.
The situation raises questions not only about Red Bull’s leadership choices but also about Verstappen’s growing influence and willingness to challenge authority within his own garage. Is this a one-off disagreement, or are we witnessing the start of a wider power struggle inside one of F1’s most dominant teams?
Why Max Verstappen’s Instagram ‘Like’ Sparked a Media Storm
It might seem trivial, but in today’s hyper-connected sports world, every social media move is under scrutiny—especially when it involves one of the most influential drivers on the grid. Max Verstappen liking an Instagram post that labeled Liam Lawson’s removal as “bullying” sent a message louder than any press release could.
It wasn’t just a public disagreement—it was a symbolic stand against the team’s decision-making. Verstappen, known for his fierce loyalty to teammates he respects, has now made it clear: he believes Lawson got a raw deal. And that belief could drive a wedge between him and Team Principal Christian Horner, who made the call to replace Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda.
What Happened? The Instagram Controversy
Max Verstappen’s Social Media Move
Over the weekend, F1 fans spotted that Verstappen had liked a post from a popular racing fan account criticizing Christian Horner’s handling of Liam Lawson’s demotion. The post described Horner’s behavior as “closer to bullying than leadership,” drawing attention to what many see as a harsh and premature decision.
The like was quickly picked up by motorsport media and fans alike, with screenshots flooding Twitter and Reddit. While Verstappen hasn’t commented directly, the like remains visible—a silent, powerful gesture that speaks volumes about his stance.
In the world of professional sports, such gestures from top-tier athletes often carry as much weight as official statements. It’s an unmistakable signal that Verstappen disagrees with the team’s direction—and he’s not afraid to show it.
The Post Accusing Red Bull of “Bullying”
The viral post in question painted Red Bull’s treatment of Lawson as unfair, especially given the young driver’s limited time to prove himself. It slammed the management’s impatience and accused Horner of prioritizing short-term performance over nurturing talent—a narrative that’s gaining traction among F1 commentators and former drivers.
The word “bullying” may seem extreme, but it’s being used more frequently in F1 circles to describe top-down, pressure-driven team cultures. The fact that Verstappen aligned himself, even subtly, with this view is shaking up the team’s image—and possibly its unity.
The Decision to Drop Liam Lawson
Lawson’s Short-Lived 2025 Season
Liam Lawson, just 23, was brought in as a promising addition to Red Bull’s Racing Bulls sister team at the start of the 2025 season. Expectations were high, but the results were modest. He qualified 18th in Australia and finished 12th in China—decent for a rookie, but apparently not enough to satisfy Red Bull’s high standards.
Despite only having two races under his belt, Lawson was unceremoniously swapped out for Yuki Tsunoda, who had more experience with the car and team dynamics. The sudden move shocked fans and analysts, many of whom believed Lawson deserved more time to adapt and grow into the role.
Christian Horner’s Official Explanation
Christian Horner attempted to calm the storm by stating that the decision was “purely strategic.” According to Horner, Tsunoda’s return was necessary to aid in the development of the underperforming RB21 car. He praised Lawson’s talent but emphasized that experience was critical during this difficult phase of the season.
Still, Horner’s calm explanation hasn’t stopped the controversy. For many—including Verstappen—the move felt reactionary and unfair. And with internal tensions now playing out in the public eye, Horner’s leadership style is under the microscope like never before.
