Red Bull Protests George Russell’s Canadian Grand Prix Victory

Controversy Erupts After Thrilling Montreal Race

Following a dramatic Canadian Grand Prix, George Russell secured his first win of the season, but the victory is under scrutiny. Red Bull has lodged two protests concerning Russell’s driving, injecting controversy into the race results.

Red Bull Challenges Russell’s Driving

Max Verstappen finished second, and Russell crossed the finish line ahead after the safety car was deployed following Lando Norris’s late crash. Red Bull’s protests question Russell’s erratic braking behind the safety car and the considerable gap he created to the safety car.

“There are two protests that we’ve put to the stewards that we’ve asked them to have a look at,”

—Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal

Horner added that the team’s protest was not personal towards Russell. The FIA’s regulations state that cars cannot be driven erratically or too slowly, potentially endangering other drivers during a safety car period. In the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, Sergio Perez received a five-second penalty for a similar infraction.

Safety Car Infringements Examined

Verstappen reported on the radio that Russell had braked hard while leading behind the safety car. Cars must stay within ten car lengths of each other under safety car conditions. GianPiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s engineer, also described Russell’s driving as erratic.

Russell and Verstappen also had radio exchanges concerning each other’s driving during the race’s closing stages. Following the race, race stewards are also investigating multiple other incidents. These include a clash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and alleged erratic driving at the pit exit by Esteban Ocon.

The stewards will determine whether the Red Bull protests are admissible. If accepted, they will decide on possible actions against Russell. This is not the first time Red Bull has protested against Mercedes this year; in Miami, a challenge against Russell was dismissed.