P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Key Red Bull figure blamed for Verstappen penalty
A former racing driver blamed a key Red Bull figure for Max Verstappen’s penalty at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, citing miscommunication and quick judgment in the team’s decision-making. The drama unfolded when Russell forced Verstappen to give back his position, leading to the Dutch driver’s frustration and eventual collision with Russell, earning him a penalty and three penalty points. Robert Doornbos criticized Red Bull’s handling of the situation and emphasized the importance of letting the driver make decisions in such instances. The Spanish GP proved to be a challenging race for Red Bull, with Verstappen’s penalty causing him to finish in P10, losing crucial championship points. McLaren’s dominance further complicated Red Bull’s strategy, highlighting the team’s struggles in tire management and performance. Verstappen’s championship hopes took a hit in Spain, dropping him 49 points behind the current standings leader.
