Mekies explains why Verstappen kept second over Hadjar in Brazil

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has explained why Max Verstappen was not told to return second place to Isack Hadjar at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Verstappen, who started 16 positions behind his teammate after an unplanned power unit change, fought through the field in changeable conditions and passed Hadjar at the halfway point, with Red Bull ordering the swap on the pit wall.

Hadjar questioned over the radio whether the position would be returned if Verstappen could not catch Lando Norris. Mekies said the team would have made the switch back had the cars stayed close together, but a late rain shower opened a gap of more than nine seconds, which made it pointless. He praised both drivers for working together to deliver a double podium.