Overtaking Verstappen: 'Hamilton doesn't necessarily take that risk'.

Max Verstappen was in the lead for much of the Spanish Grand Prix, but had to give up his lead to rival Lewis Hamilton. It left Red Bull Racing disappointed and hoping for more in Barcelona.

Several analysts stated that Red Bull should have chosen a different strategy, but Ross Brawn sees it differently. In his column on the official website, Formula One 's sporting director argues that Verstappen's team had little choice. "I’m not sure Red Bull could have done anything other than what they did in terms of strategy in Spain. Had they boxed the lap after Lewis’s second stop, they would have conceded track position. Whether or not that would have meant a closer contest to the end of the Grand Prix is simply speculation."

Brawn was impressed with Verstappen's impressive start. "He’s not afraid to take the fight to Lewis. The reality is he knows he unlikely to beat Lewis if he’s second at the end of the first lap so. In contrast, Lewis knows that he can beat Max from second place on lap one – as he did today – so he doesn’t necessarily take that risk."

Opportunities for Verstappen

For Verstappen, the director is confident about the next races. "Max won’t let this result get to him, though. This was a very, very good drive from him. His package just wasn’t quick enough. He knows this is his best chance ever to win the world title – and will back himself to take victory next time out in Monaco."