Red Bull boss praises 'aggressive' Max Verstappen decision

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has praised the "aggressive" decision taken by Max Verstappen key to his victory in the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint. 

In order to compete at Spa, Red Bull has opted for a trimmed-out rear wing on Verstappen's car, boosting his top speed in a straight line.

He used this extra pace to roar past pole-sitter Oscar Piastri on the opening lap of the 15-tour Sprint, and held onto the lead to scoop the win. 

Piastri was within DRS for the entire race, but could not get close enough to attempt a pass, allowing Verstappen a first Sprint win of the season and 12th overall in the team's first race with Christian Horner not at the helm. 

Reflecting, his replacement, Mekies praised the world champion's drive and the team's rear wing decision.

"The guys did a very good job, Max was under massive pressure for those 15 laps, and he didn't make a single mistake," Mekies told Sky Sports F1. 

"He and the team extracted everything out of the car, and we probably didn't have the fastest car, but ultimately managed to stay [in the lead]. 

"We managed the tyres and kept the McLarens under control, so an impressive job from the guys."

Addressing Red Bull's rear wing choice, Mekies indicated that it was "aggressive."

"It is never the only option, but the guys went for an aggressive choice," he said.

"It comes with some advantages and disadvantages, and certainly, it probably helped [in the Sprint]."