Overview

• Oscar Piastri secured his fifth win of the season at Barcelona to extend his championship lead to 49 points over Max Verstappen.
• On the final restart Verstappen was told to yield to George Russell but instead made contact, earning a 10-second penalty and three FIA penalty points.
• In an Instagram statement Verstappen blamed a poor late tyre choice and strategic missteps for his frustration and acknowledged the manoeuvre was “not right.”
• With 11 penalty points on his licence, Verstappen must avoid further infractions in Canada and Austria or face a mandatory one-race ban.
• Red Bull’s strategy error and the FIA’s penalty process have come under scrutiny, and unconfirmed reports suggest a contract clause could allow Verstappen to exit the team if he falls out of the top three.