P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Analysis: What went wrong at Red Bull before Max Verstappen clashed with George Russell
Max Verstappen’s gap to Oscar Piastri widened significantly in Barcelona, with the additional penalty points putting him at risk of a race ban. The clash with George Russell and Red Bull’s strategic errors were key factors in his setback. Verstappen seemed destined for a familiar third place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, but McLaren’s dominance forced Red Bull into a three-stop strategy. However, the late safety car disrupted their plans, leading to a crucial decision on tire strategy.
Red Bull’s error lay in opting for a new set of hard tires under the safety car, which hindered Verstappen’s performance on the restart. The team had other options, including staying out on used softs or pitting for a used set, which may have offered a better outcome. The unpredictability of tire performance under the safety car highlighted the challenges teams faced during the race. In hindsight, Red Bull’s decision-making process came under scrutiny, impacting Verstappen’s chances of securing a better result in the Grand Prix.
