Defending Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has been left frustrated by Red Bull’s apparent decision to sack Liam Lawson just two races into the new season.

Mexican veteran Sergio Perez had that seat last season, but a disappointing campaign that saw him finish eighth in the standings and led to Red Bull paying off the remainder of his contract to promote Lawson.

There were high hopes for Lawson as he was promoted from the Racing Bulls team, but he is yet to pick up any points from two races and a sprint race, and it has been reported by Dutch publication Telegraaf that the decision has been made to demote him already, calling up former team-mate Yuki Tsunoda in his place.