In a dramatic turn of events following the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has moved swiftly to clear the air, denying any involvement from Max Verstappen in the team’s formal protest against George Russell’s race victory.
The Canadian Grand Prix, held at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, ended in controversy after Red Bull launched an official protest, alleging that Russell, who claimed the win for Mercedes, had engaged in improper conduct under the safety car. Specifically, Red Bull accused Russell of “erratic driving” and maintaining an excessive gap to the safety car a tactic that, if proven, could have resulted in a time penalty and cost him the win.
However, the FIA stewards thoroughly reviewed the evidence and ultimately rejected the protest, citing that Russell’s actions were in line with current regulations. According to their statement, the Mercedes driver was simply managing tyre temperatures and ensuring safety protocols a standard practice during safety car conditions.
Speaking after the protest was dismissed, Christian Horner clarified that Verstappen had no part in filing the complaint, stating, “Max was not involved in the protest. This was a team-led decision, based on what we observed during the race. It was our responsibility to explore all avenues available to us under the sporting code.”
Sources close to the situation reported that Verstappen was unaware of the protest at the time it was filed. This revelation comes as Verstappen himself rides a fine line in terms of FIA disciplinary points just one penalty point away from a race ban and has become the center of several recent controversies both on and off the track.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff blasted the protest as “petty and small,” accusing Red Bull of trying to manufacture drama and delay the official race result, which was only confirmed over five hours after the chequered flag.
Despite the failed protest, Horner stood by the team’s actions: “We have absolutely no regrets. If we see something that raises questions, we have every right to ask for clarification. That’s what the system is for.”
The incident only adds to the escalating tensions between Red Bull and Mercedes, reigniting a rivalry that has cooled slightly since their titanic battles in the 2021 season. As the F1 season rolls on, all eyes will be on the next chapter in what’s quickly becoming another heated title campaign.
For now, Russell keeps his hard-fought victory, Verstappen retains second place, and Red Bull’s protest joins a long list of intra-team and inter-team drama that continues to define the sport’s fiercest rivalries.
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