Verstappen told to let Hamilton by at Madring: Mekies explains the decision
17:54, 13 Sep
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Hidde Korte is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 news. With a background in journalism and a strong passion for the sport, he delivers timely and reliable coverage of the pinnacle of motorsport.
Laurent Mekies believes Red Bull made the right choice by having Max Verstappen give the place back to Lewis Hamilton. The team principal also praises his staff for reacting quickly.
Speaking to F1TV, Mekies discussed giving the place back to Hamilton. "It’s always going to be a painful and a difficult decision. Fortunately, the guys on the pit wall had a very good look at it, and did the analysis fast" Mekies began.
"Of course, we were not expecting a thank you email from Max in the car," Mekies said sarcastically. "We thought it would be better to take the pain at that moment and fight back after. That’s something Max has done exceptionally well, as always, rather than wait and risk a bigger penalty, that could have been more costly later on."
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Verstappen in battle with Hamilton
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Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Shortly after Verstappen let Hamilton through, Hamilton retired. Mekies was asked what the protocol would be if Verstappen hadn’t let Hamilton by. He said: "The decision of the stewards is never to give back positions in that case, we will have simply been penalised either either five seconds or ten seconds at their discretion. So that's what will have happened.
"Of course if you can imagine race scenarios with the safety car or other circumstances it can cost you a lot more than one position or two. So luckily, Max gave away the positions before he was retired and and and and ultimately continue to fight the race from that point. Of course it is frustrating, but in fairness, I think P2 was the absolute best we could have achieved today."
Mekies was grateful for Norris’s stop when the VSC ended. "It was welcome at that moment. It’s always difficult to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, but we saw the VSC and had expected them to stay out."
Mekies happy with Lawson
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Mekies was pleased with Lawson’s race. "He drove a good race today, so happy with that. The next race is in two weeks, and then we’re going to take time, assess with Isack [Hadjar]." On Hadjar's recovery from his wrist injury, Mekies said: "He’ll be on the simulator and we’ll decide from there."
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