Oscar Piastri led Lando Norris to a McLaren one-two at the Spanish Grand Prix as a late safety car led to a controversial final few laps involving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Verstappen was forced on to hard tyres for the final sprint to the flag and was involved in a series of incidents with Mercedes’ George Russell.
Verstappen crossed the line fifth but dropped to 10th as a consequence of a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with Russell.
The four-time champion had kept the pressure on the McLarens with a three-stop strategy compared to their two, and was on course for third place before the safety car, caused when Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli pulled off with an engine failure.
But his race fell apart after Red Bull were forced to fit hard tyres to Verstappen’s car because they had no softer ones available.
The stewards said that Verstappen was penalised because he “suddenly accelerated and collided with [Russell]. The collision was undoubtedly caused by the actions of [Verstappen]”.
Verstappen was also given three penalty points on his licence, which puts him on 11, one away from a race ban.
Piastri’s fifth win of the season moves him into a 10-point lead over Norris in the championship, but Verstappen’s eventful final few laps left him 49 points behind the Australian.
