Max Verstappen has insisted that liking an Instagram post by former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde attacking Red Bull was "not a mistake".
Ex-Caterham driver van der Garde launched into a passioned outburst on the social media platform in the wake of Liam Lawson's demotion from Red Bull to Racing Bulls after only two races of the season.
In the post, the Dutchman claimed that the decision was "bullying" and encouraged Lawson to prove people wrong by rebounding on track.
Verstappen's account was seen to have 'liked' the post and asked ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend whether this was a mistake, the four-time world champion replied: "Well, I liked the text [post], so I guess that speaks for itself, right?
"It was not a mistake. It happens sometimes when you click on something."
Verstappen: "Our main issue is the car"
Verstappen has frequently expressed his concerns over the performance of Red Bull's cars across the past two seasons, even before the team was usurped by McLaren in the constructors' title last term.
Explaining his immediate thoughts on the swap between Lawson and new teammate Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen revealed: "My reaction was shared with the team, but in general, not only about the swap but everything.
"We discussed that already during the last race weekend and back at the factory. Everything has been shared with the team, what I think about everything. Sometimes it is not necessary to always share and say everything in public.
"I think our main issue is that our car is not where we want it to be. I think everyone knows that within the team as well and that's what I am focused on.
"As soon as the car is more competitive and more drivable in general then I think even in the second car, it will come to you a bit more naturally."
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