The thing is, this isn't new. This might be the most aggressive move we've seen them make so far but it's one in a long line of crazy expectations from their drivers.
Yuki should've been moved first and it was stupid that he wasn't. That tells prospects at Racing Bulls (this is so gross to say) all they need to know. The drama there has been playing out season after season and Red Bull has plenty of history showing how they handle drivers.
It's likely to continue until they lose Max or land the next generational talent.