Two chequered flags waved at Verstappen and Piastri, but there's a reason behind it

During the final stages of the Spanish Grand Prix, the camera zoomed in on football superstar Robert Lewandowski. With a wide smile and plenty of enthusiasm, the Polish striker waved the chequered flag as Oscar Piastri crossed the finish line first. However, as it turns out, the McLaren driver was actually shown the flag twice last week.

In reality, another marshall – positioned closer to the track – was the one responsible for properly signaling the end of the race to Piastri and the other drivers. Lewandowski’s presence was purely ceremonial as part of the show.

This wasn’t the first time it happened this season. In both Miami and Suzuka, two chequered flags were waved as well. Max Verstappen received the signal twice in Japan, while Piastri experienced it previously in Miami.

These days, fans can pay to have their name featured on a ceremonial chequered flag, which is then waved by a celebrity or public figure at the finish line. That’s the flag Lewandowski was holding in Spain. Similar arrangements are expected for upcoming Grands Prix in Hungary and Las Vegas.

The official race-ending flag, however, remains the one without any names – the one waved by a race official.