The Formula 1 world was rocked on Thursday morning when Red Bull confirmed that Liam Lawson, the 25-year-old New Zealand driver, would be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. Lawson’s sudden exit after just two races has sparked outrage, with his girlfriend, Hannah St. John, and teammate Max Verstappen publicly expressing their dismay. The decision, reportedly driven by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, has drawn sharp criticism, leaving fans and insiders questioning the team’s ruthless approach.

A Heartfelt Response from Hannah St. John
Hannah St. John, Lawson’s girlfriend since October 2022, took to Instagram to share her reaction to the news. The 22-year-old Arizona State University student posted a simple yet poignant photo of herself with Lawson, accompanied by a single red heart emoji. While subtle, the post spoke volumes about her support for Lawson during this turbulent time. With over 45,000 Instagram followers, St. John is no stranger to the spotlight, often sharing glimpses of her adventurous life—skiing in Utah, relaxing on Abu Dhabi beaches, and hiking in New Zealand, frequently alongside Lawson.

St. John, who graduated from Corona Del Mar High School in 2021 and is set to earn her bachelor’s degree this year, has been a constant presence trackside. Her understated response contrasts with the fiery backlash from others in Lawson’s circle, but it underscores the personal toll of Red Bull’s decision on the young couple.

Max Verstappen’s Shock and Subtle Support
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s four-time world champion, was reportedly “stunned” by Horner’s call to axe Lawson, according to sources close to the Dutch driver cited by Mail Sport. Verstappen’s displeasure became even more apparent when he briefly liked an Instagram post by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde. The post slammed Red Bull for “crushing Lawson’s spirit” after giving him just two races to prove himself. Verstappen quickly unliked the post, but the fleeting gesture didn’t go unnoticed by eagle-eyed fans, fueling speculation about tensions within the Red Bull camp.

Van der Garde’s critique highlighted Lawson’s fleeting stint as one of the shortest in F1 history, surpassed only by Yuji Ide’s four-race run with Super Aguri in 2006 (excluding cases of illness or injury). For Verstappen, a driver known for his loyalty to teammates, Lawson’s unceremonious exit seems to have struck a nerve.

Lawson’s Struggles and Red Bull’s Ruthlessness
Lawson’s 2025 season got off to a rocky start. At the Australian Grand Prix, he qualified 18th in Melbourne and was knocked out due to rain, failing to finish the race. A week later, he hit rock bottom in China, qualifying last and crossing the finish line in 18th place. Despite these setbacks, many argued that two races were insufficient to judge the Kiwi’s potential. Red Bull, however, showed no mercy, opting to replace him with Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The decision has reignited debates about Red Bull’s cutthroat approach to talent. Horner’s leadership has often been praised for its decisiveness, but this move has drawn accusations of impatience and even cruelty, particularly in Lawson’s home country of New Zealand, where media outlets have mocked the team’s iconic “gives you wings” slogan.

A Social Media Storm
The backlash hasn’t been limited to St. John and Verstappen. Fans and commentators have flooded platforms like Instagram and X with hashtags like #JusticeForLawson and #RedBullBacklash, amplifying the controversy. Lawson himself, with a million Instagram followers, has yet to comment directly, but his silence only adds to the drama surrounding his exit.

For St. John, the Instagram post was a quiet show of solidarity, while Verstappen’s subtle social media activity hinted at deeper unrest. Together, their reactions paint a picture of a driver wronged—and a team under fire.

What’s Next for Lawson?
Lawson’s demotion back to Racing Bulls offers a lifeline, but it’s a far cry from the Red Bull seat he briefly occupied. At 25, he still has time to rebuild his F1 career, but the scars of this brutal sacking may linger. For Red Bull, the move risks alienating fans and fracturing team morale, especially if Verstappen’s discontent grows.

As the Japanese Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Tsunoda’s performance—and on Lawson, whose supporters are rallying behind him. St. John’s heartfelt post and Verstappen’s quiet rebellion have turned a personnel change into a full-blown F1 saga, one that could define Lawson’s legacy and Red Bull’s reputation for years to come. For now, the Kiwi driver’s wings may be clipped, but his story is far from over.