George Russell’s Canadian GP Victory Under Threat After Late Red B… read more
George Russell’s dramatic Canadian Grand Prix victory is now under serious threat following a late protest from Red Bull Racing, who have raised concerns about Russell’s behavior during a safety car period late in the race. The Mercedes driver, who claimed a hard-fought win in Montreal, is facing potential penalties that could alter the final race standings, potentially handing the victory to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The controversy centers around an incident that occurred during the closing laps of the race, while the field was under safety car conditions. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and his crew have accused Russell of braking too harshly behind the safety car, which allegedly caused a sudden shift in momentum. This move reportedly led to Verstappen briefly overtaking Russell — a situation that could have breached regulations if deemed intentional or unsafe.
Max Verstappen himself brought attention to the incident, claiming that Russell’s abrupt deceleration was unexpected and forced him to take evasive action, momentarily passing the Mercedes. Under FIA rules, drivers are expected to maintain a consistent pace behind the safety car and avoid erratic behavior that could endanger others. While temporary position changes due to sudden braking can occur, they are typically not penalized unless proven to be deliberate or reckless.
Interestingly, no official complaint or investigation was initiated during the race, and the incident went unnoticed by the stewards at the time. However, Red Bull has now submitted a formal protest after the race, arguing that new evidence warrants a review of the incident. Under FIA regulations, teams are allowed to request a review only if they can provide significant new information that was not available during the event.
This new development has led to both Russell and Verstappen being summoned by the race stewards to provide their accounts of the situation. The hearing is expected to delve into telemetry data, radio communications, and onboard footage to determine whether Russell’s actions constituted a breach of the sporting code. If the stewards find sufficient evidence of misconduct or rule-breaking, Russell could face a time penalty or disqualification, which would hand the win to Verstappen, who originally finished second.
For Mercedes, the timing of the protest is frustrating, as Russell’s win was a bright spot in what has been a challenging season. The Briton drove a composed and strategic race, holding off pressure from both Red Bull and McLaren drivers. His victory marked his second career Grand Prix win and was seen as a strong statement of intent from Mercedes as they aim to close the gap to Red Bull in the championship standings.
However, the result now hangs in the balance. Red Bull’s protest, while controversial, is within their rights and reflects the razor-thin margins that define modern Formula 1. The team’s strategy appears to hinge on pushing every possible advantage, especially in a season where Red Bull has faced increasing challenges from rival teams.
This incident adds yet another layer of drama to an already thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season. With the championship battle intensifying, every point — and every decision — carries enormous weight. Fans and pundits alike are now waiting anxiously for the stewards’ verdict, which could be a pivotal moment in the title race.
The decision from the stewards is expected soon, and until then, George Russell’s Canadian Grand Prix victory remains provisional. If the protest is upheld, it could lead to a reshuffle not only in race results but also in the broader championship narrative. All eyes are now on the FIA as they assess whether Russell’s actions warrant a penalty — or if the win will stand as one of his career-defining moments.
