FIA Reject Red Bull’s Late Protest Over Canadian Grand Prix Result
The FIA has officially dismissed Red Bull’s late protest following the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, confirming George Russell’s victory and leaving Max Verstappen in second place.
Red Bull filed the protest after alleging that Russell (Car 63) braked unnecessarily during a safety car phase between Turns 12 and 13, causing Verstappen (Car 1) to momentarily overtake him. The team also claimed that Russell’s subsequent radio message accusing Verstappen of overtaking under the safety car showed “unsportsmanlike intent.”
Red Bull’s Allegations
Red Bull argued that:
- Russell deliberately braked on the straight to provoke Verstappen into passing him.
- He looked in his mirrors before braking, showing he was aware of Verstappen’s proximity.
- The radio message to his team was calculated to alert race control.
- The braking was unnecessary, as the race was expected to end under the safety car.
They supported their claims with onboard footage and telemetry data showing throttle and brake inputs.
Mercedes’ Defence
In response, Mercedes stated:
- Braking under the safety car to maintain tyre and brake temperature is routine.
- Russell was closing in on the safety car and signaled for it to speed up.
- His braking was light—only 30psi—and not sudden or excessive.
- He only applied the brakes after confirming Verstappen was not directly behind him.
- The radio message was simply an observation, and no formal complaint was made.
- Data from earlier laps showed similar braking from both Russell and Verstappen.
FIA and Stewards’ Assessment
FIA race control observed the incident in real-time and did not see cause to report it. According to the stewards, braking during a safety car is normal and falls within acceptable tolerances.
In their ruling, the stewards stated:
“We accept the explanation provided by the driver of Car 63. His braking was neither erratic nor excessive, and his radio message does not constitute unsportsmanlike behaviour. No rule was broken.”
Final Decision
The stewards dismissed the protest, stating it was unfounded. Red Bull’s protest deposit has been forfeited, and the race result stands with George Russell as the winner and Max Verstappen in second place.
The decision ensures Russell keeps his hard-earned win in Montreal as the championship battle intensifies heading into the next round.
