Red Bull Faces Sharp Criticism Over ‘Petty’ Protest

Red Bull found itself at the center of post-race debate after lodging a protest against George Russell following the Canadian Grand Prix. The protest targeted the Mercedes driver’s conduct behind the safety car late in the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Red Bull’s complaints focused on two incidents: they believed Russell had brake-tested Max Verstappen and also failed to maintain the required 10 car lengths behind the safety car during caution laps.

The situation became public when the FIA stewards received and announced Red Bull’s formal protest at 5:34 p.m. local time in Montreal. Stewards worked through the evening, with their final decision released at 9:05 p.m.

Official race results were delayed until much later than usual, leaving fans and teams waiting well into the night. Many who followed the event live did not learn the outcome until the next morning.

Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, voiced his disapproval of the protest during an appearance on the Red Flags podcast. Steiner called Red Bull’s actions “petty” and said there was little evidence to suggest Russell had acted improperly.

He explained that Verstappen was not directly behind Russell at the key moment and that there wasn’t a clear brake test. Steiner added that any penalty affecting the race result hours after the finish would have been harmful for the sport and its credibility.

The FIA reviewed data and testimony before swiftly rejecting Red Bull’s claims. The stewards ruled that Russell’s actions did not violate the rules.

The whole episode underscored the pressure and scrutiny teams face in Formula 1, especially in tightly contested races.

The 2025 F1 standings now have Oscar Piastri leading with 198 points, followed by Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and George Russell. The teams’ leaderboard shows McLaren on top, with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull following. McLaren’s strong position echoes themes explored in recent discussions about their rivalry with Mercedes and drivers like Lewis Hamilton. Learn more about McLaren and Lewis Hamilton’s season challenges here.

The results reinforce the competitiveness of this year’s championship season. Red Bull’s protest will be remembered for sparking debate but ultimately changing nothing in Montreal.

Attention has already shifted to the upcoming races as the grid looks to add crucial points before the summer break. The tension seen in Canadian Grand Prix safety car moments reminds fans of the intense on-track battles witnessed at events like the Monaco Grand Prix. See insights on Monaco’s race dynamics and driver fears.

The Canadian Grand Prix highlighted how small incidents can overshadow major achievements and draw reaction from across the Formula 1 paddock.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.