Red Bull Racing and Verstappen receive compliments: 'This was the smart solution'

Max Verstappen had to give his position back to Lewis Hamilton during the Bahrain Grand Prix and did so without grumbling. This earned him and the team compliments, although not everyone agreed with the punishment.

Verstappen seemed to be the fastest driver all weekend in Bahrain and strengthened that position with his pole on Saturday. On Sunday, however, he had to fight for it again due to a smart strategy of Mercedes. Verstappen had to pass Hamilton and he succeeded. He just went outside the track and had to give his place back.

Smart choice by Red Bull

''I think Max closed the gap honestly. It wasn't such a bad overtaking move at all, but that's how it is. Both drivers deserved it today. You can ask yourself where Verstappen should have gone? He had to stay on the side to give Lewis space, so I think the decision was a bit short-sighted,'' said Ralf Schumacher opposite Sky Germany.

Timo Glock doesn't want to get into the right or wrong debate but does have his compliments for Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. ''You could have had a bigger penalty of say 20 seconds if you hadn't given the place back. The smart solution is to listen to the race director and just give that spot back,'' the former F1 driver concludes.