Paul Velasco has delivered a pointed criticism of Max Verstappen following his confrontation with Liam Lawson, describing the Dutchman’s behaviour as unnecessary and unprofessional while questioning the way Red Bull has treated the New Zealander’s Formula 1 career.
The respected F1 commentator believes Verstappen was entitled to be frustrated by Lawson’s aggressive approach during the Mexican Grand Prix, but argues that the four-time world champion should have handled the situation differently.
More significantly, Velasco believes Lawson’s struggles at Red Bull were caused as much by the team’s internal politics and management decisions as by anything that happened on track.
His comments raise fresh questions about the pressure placed on Verstappen’s teammates and whether Red Bull has created an environment in which challenging its leading driver comes with consequences.
Verstappen and Lawson’s Mexican GP confrontation
The incident between the two drivers during second practice in Mexico City became a talking point after they fought for track position, made contact and risked damaging their cars.
Velasco, who openly admires both drivers, believes the confrontation was unnecessary. However, he also argues that Lawson was simply racing Verstappen in the same uncompromising manner he would approach any other competitor.
In his assessment, Lawson effectively “pulled a Max Verstappen on Max Verstappen”.
Velasco accepts that Verstappen had every right to be angry, but believes the public nature of his reaction was inappropriate, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Lawson’s future.
He illustrated how a private exchange between the drivers might have unfolded:
“Lawson, you’re an asshole. You shouldn’t have done that.”
To which Liam could reasonably reply:
“Yeah, well, you’re an asshole too. If the tables had been turned, you would have done exactly the same thing. Now shut your mouth and drink a Red Bull.”
For Velasco, the distinction is between competitive aggression and using a position of influence to intimidate another driver.
Red Bull’s treatment of Lawson remains under scrutiny
The commentator’s strongest criticism concerns Lawson’s demotion after just two Grands Prix alongside Verstappen in 2025.
Red Bull had promoted the New Zealander into its senior team, but quickly reversed that decision after a difficult opening to the season.
Velasco argues that Lawson was never given sufficient time to adapt to the demands of the car or establish confidence in an extremely challenging environment.
He does not believe Verstappen personally destroyed Lawson’s career. Instead, he points towards Red Bull’s impatience and questionable management decisions.
The situation also unfolded amid considerable internal turbulence involving Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and the Verstappen camp.
Velasco suspects Lawson became collateral damage in a wider power struggle that had little to do with his underlying ability as a racing driver.
He also contrasts Lawson’s treatment with the longer opportunity previously afforded to Yuki Tsunoda, who had experienced his own difficulties in the senior Red Bull machinery.
Lawson’s performances strengthen his case
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Lawson has produced performances that Velasco believes demonstrate why he deserves to remain in Formula 1.
His recovery from a pit-lane start to finish seventh in Mexico City was particularly significant.
The commentator believes that performances of this nature make it difficult to justify discarding Lawson without giving him a clearer opportunity to establish himself.
Indeed, Velasco went as far as suggesting that Lawson and his management should consider legal action if Red Bull ultimately ends his career unfairly.
He even jokingly suggested a $100 million lawsuit over the treatment he received during his brief promotion to the senior team, saying it had been like “ruining my brain while destroying my career”.
It was an extraordinary suggestion, although clearly expressed as Velasco’s opinion rather than an indication of any actual legal proceedings.
Velasco delivers a message to Verstappen
Despite the strength of his criticism, Velasco made clear that his admiration for Verstappen remains intact.
He recognises the Dutchman’s exceptional ability and competitive mentality, but believes his status within Red Bull carries additional responsibilities.
His final message was particularly direct:
“Max, I love you as a driver. You are one of the best I have ever seen. But what you did to Lawson was unnecessary, unprofessional, and beneath someone of your stature. You crossed the line completely. You are greater than that now.”
He also offered Lawson encouragement, insisting that the New Zealander should continue racing everyone with the same determination, regardless of their reputation.
“Liam, keep fighting. Keep racing everyone just as hard as you race Max; whatever Red Bull decides, you belong in Formula 1, ahead of half the guys on the grid right now.”
Velasco’s argument ultimately goes beyond one disagreement during practice. Formula 1 needs drivers prepared to challenge established stars, not competitors who feel obliged to give way because of someone’s influence within a team.
Whether Red Bull agrees with that assessment is another matter. But Lawson’s experience continues to provide a revealing case study in the pressures facing anyone attempting to become Verstappen’s teammate.
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
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