Aksel Kryhlmand
As competitors, we’re entitled to raise concerns if we believe something was missed by the officials
Race Result Stands
George Russell secured Mercedes’ first victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season by winning the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. He fended off Max Verstappen in a dramatic finish under the Safety Car, and held on to the result after a post-race protest by Red Bull was rejected by the stewards.
Red Bull Protest Explained
Red Bull lodged two formal protests against Russell after the race, alleging:
- Erratic driving behind the Safety Car in the final laps.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct, supposedly trying to get Verstappen penalised by intentionally braking hard and then reporting that the Red Bull driver had overtaken him.
The protests came two hours after the chequered flag, prompting a stewards’ review of telemetry, video, and team communications that lasted nearly six hours.
Stewards’ Ruling
In their written decision, the stewards dismissed both claims, stating:
We accept the explanation of the driver of Car 63 [Russell] and are satisfied he did not drive erratically… or act in an unsportsmanlike manner.
Additionally, they clarified that:
- The braking observed did not breach rules.
- Simply reporting an overtake attempt by Verstappen was not misconduct.
- There was no merit in the claim that Russell attempted to deceive the officials.
Thus, Russell’s win stands, and Red Bull’s €4,000 (for two protests) effort came to nothing.
Russell vs Verstappen
This incident marks another flashpoint in an increasingly tense rivalry between the two drivers:
- In Spain, Verstappen collided with Russell and received a penalty – three points added to his license, putting him on the brink of a race ban.
- After Russell beat him to pole position in Montreal, he quipped that Verstappen’s driving was now “restrained” due to the penalty threat.
- Verstappen later called the remarks “childish” and “pissing him off.”
There was also a previous protest in Miami by Red Bull over Russell’s alleged failure to slow under yellow flags. That case was also dismissed.
Red Bull’s Justification
Team Principal Christian Horner explained their reasoning:
George braked aggressively and left an excessive gap to the Safety Car, over three times the permitted distance.
Despite the protest’s failure, Horner defended their right to escalate:
As competitors, we’re entitled to raise concerns if we believe something was missed by the officials.
Driver Reactions
- Verstappen (team radio): “George suddenly just aggressively braked.”
- Russell (team radio): “He just overtook me under the Safety Car.”
Later, Verstappen clarified the situation to Sky Sports F1:
We were both trying to signal to the Safety Car to go faster. George backed out of one acceleration and it caused confusion.
What’s Next?
The 2025 F1 season now heads back to Europe for the Austrian Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1 from June 27–29.
Russell’s win and Antonelli’s podium in Montreal have shifted momentum back toward Mercedes. Verstappen remains under pressure with his license points situation still unresolved heading into Austria.