Red Bull defends team order requiring Max Verstappen to concede two positions

Max Verstappen finished second in the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid after Red Bull instructed the driver to concede two positions during the race. Verstappen initially passed Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap of the event. Despite the move for the lead, the team issued instructions for the driver to return the spots to his rivals. Team boss Laurent Mekies addressed the decision following the race, asserting that a win for Verstappen was not realistic regardless of the mid-race instructions. Mekies maintained that the driver was already facing a requirement to give back the place due to circumstances occurring earlier in the opening sequence of the grand prix. Verstappen ultimately trailed race winner Kimi Antonelli to conclude the event in the runner-up position.

• 3:58 PMAutosport — Red Bull defends decision to force Verstappen to give back two positions
• 3:52 PMMotorsport.com — Red Bull defends decision to force Max Verstappen to give back two positions