The Canadian Grand Prix’s final moments sparked controversy, with the top five tightly grouped and Lando Norris colliding with teammate Oscar Piastri. Red Bull’s protest further elevated the tension, focusing on alleged driving misconduct by George Russell.
The team accused Russell of excessive braking and unsporting radio messages, claiming he orchestrated a strategy to trick Max Verstappen. The protest was supported with telemetry data and onboard footage showcasing Russell’s actions behind the safety car.
Red Bull’s protest hinged on the belief that Russell’s maneuvers were meant to impede Verstappen, garnering a potential penalty. Meanwhile, Mercedes defended Russell’s actions as standard safety car procedures, showcasing telemetry data to support their explanation.
The stewards met for 45 minutes to deliberate the issue, where both sides presented their arguments and evidence. Red Bull emphasized the alleged unsportsmanlike conduct, while Mercedes countered with justifications for Russell’s actions. Ultimately, the ongoing dispute highlighted the intensity and strategic intricacies of Formula 1 racing.
