Max Verstappen finished second in the Spanish Grand Prix after being instructed by Red Bull to give back two positions following an opening-lap incident with Lewis Hamilton. Team boss Laurent Mekies defended the decision, stating that staying ahead would have risked a five- or ten-second penalty from stewards, which could have cost more than the positions lost. Verstappen initially resisted the order, questioning the call over team radio, but complied on lap four, allowing both Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli to pass.

Mekies emphasized the team analyzed the situation quickly and opted for the immediate penalty avoidance to preserve race position. Hamilton’s subsequent retirement meant Verstappen could not have returned the position later, making the real-time call necessary. Despite frustration, Mekies said second place was the best achievable outcome given the circumstances, praising Verstappen’s recovery drive after conceding the spots.