2026 Spanish GP: Verstappen clash and Red Bull call

Formula1.com and other outlets reported Max Verstappen finished second in the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix after an early clash with Lewis Hamilton.

Formula1.com reported that Max Verstappen finished on the podium in the Spanish Grand Prix after a tense start that included a clash with Lewis Hamilton, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli ahead at the finish. RaceFans also reported Verstappen’s frustration after Red Bull told him to let Hamilton back through following the opening lap.

Autosport and Motorsport.com reported that Red Bull instructed Verstappen to give back two positions he had gained, then defended the call after the race. Both outlets said team boss Laurent Mekies did not believe the decision cost Verstappen a realistic chance of victory. Verstappen went into the event sixth in the 2026 drivers' championship on 127 points; Hamilton was third on 191. The Red Bull driver, born on 30 September 1997, had 242 Formula 1 starts, 71 wins, 51 poles and 129 podiums across 2015-2026.