FIA announce DISQUALIFICATION of F1 driver ahead of....read more

FIA announce DISQUALIFICATION of F1 driver ahead of….read more

Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen has expressed his astonishment over Max Verstappen’s apparent lack of protest regarding Red Bull’s strategic decision during the recent Spanish Grand Prix. Häkkinen, who drove for McLaren during his own championship-winning years, shared his views on the decision-making process at Red Bull and Verstappen’s reaction — or rather, the lack thereof — particularly when the team chose to fit hard compound tyres during a critical point in the race.

During the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen faced fierce competition from the revitalized McLaren team, with both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris showcasing remarkable pace and control. The Red Bull driver employed a three-stop strategy to remain within striking distance of the McLaren duo, but many observers questioned the team’s tyre choice, especially given the high degradation and the circuit’s preference for softer compounds under the prevailing conditions.

Häkkinen admitted he was taken aback that Verstappen did not seem to question or push back against Red Bull’s call to switch to the harder tyres. Given Verstappen’s competitive nature and keen race awareness, Häkkinen expected a more assertive response from the Dutch driver, particularly considering how crucial tyre strategy is to securing optimal performance and track position in modern Formula 1.

While Verstappen has built a reputation as a highly involved driver when it comes to in-race decisions, his acceptance of the team’s direction without apparent resistance stood out to Häkkinen. He pointed out that top drivers often challenge or even override their team’s decisions when they feel the strategy does not align with the reality on track. In this case, Red Bull’s choice arguably put Verstappen at a slight disadvantage against the McLarens, who executed a near-perfect race strategy of their own.

Despite the controversial tyre choice, Verstappen still managed to deliver a strong performance, keeping the pressure on Piastri and Norris throughout the race. His three-stop strategy allowed him to stay within reach, but he ultimately lacked the pace and grip to mount a serious challenge for the lead in the final stages.

Häkkinen’s comments reflect a broader narrative in the paddock that Red Bull may be facing more strategic challenges this season, particularly as rival teams like McLaren continue to close the performance gap. As the season progresses, the scrutiny on in-race decision-making — especially for front-runners like Verstappen — is likely to intensify, and Häkkinen believes driver feedback and assertiveness will play a crucial role in navigating these high-stakes scenarios.