The Canadian Grand Prix’s closing stages sparked controversy, with the top five drivers closely packed and an incident between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Post-race, Red Bull lodged a protest, causing a delay in Christian Horner’s media briefing, similar to a prior incident in Miami.
Red Bull challenged the legality of George Russell’s driving behind the safety car, alleging excessive braking and unsporting behavior aimed at tricking Max Verstappen. The team presented telemetry data and radio messages as evidence of what they deemed unsportsmanlike conduct by Russell.
In response, Mercedes defended Russell, asserting that periodic braking during safety car laps is standard practice and blaming the incident on getting too close to the safety car. Russell also contended that his actions were misinterpreted and that he was merely trying to maintain temperature in his brakes and tires.
The stewards deliberated on the protests made by Red Bull and Mercedes. Ultimately, the decision would hinge on whether Russell’s actions constituted legitimate race tactics or unsportsmanlike behavior aimed at manipulating the race outcome.
