George Russell – Max Verstappen investigation in F1 Canada GP: stewards’ decision and the reason revealed. FIA rejects Red Bull's protest against Russell for alleged braking under Safety Car in Canada.

FIA rejects Red Bull’s protest over Russell-Verstappen incident: stewards explain the decision

The FIA has officially dismissed the protest filed by Red Bull against George Russell for alleged misconduct during the Safety Car period in the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix involving Max Verstappen. The Austrian team had accused the Mercedes driver of sudden braking on the straight between Turns 12 and 13, which led to Verstappen overtaking the Briton under Safety Car conditions before giving the position back.

Russell-Verstappen investigation: why there was no penalty
Red Bull claimed that Russell had deliberately braked to cause the infringement, noting that he looked in his mirrors before slowing down. The team also argued that the Mercedes driver’s radio communication was intentionally made to draw the stewards’ attention, accusing him of showing “unsporting intent.” Red Bull also presented telemetry data to support their claims.

Mercedes’ defence
Mercedes responded by saying that the braking was standard practice to maintain temperature in the brakes and tyres, and that George Russell had slowed to avoid getting too close to the Safety Car. Furthermore, the brake pressure applied was 30 psi, which the team described as not excessive. Russell also pointed out that he waited to see Max Verstappen on his left before braking.

The stewards rejected the protest, stating that:

Russell’s braking was justified and not erratic.

There was no unsporting behaviour or intent to provoke an infringement.

Mercedes never formally lodged a protest against Max Verstappen but only reported the incident via radio.

Red Bull’s telemetry data did not show anything unusual compared to other laps under Safety Car.

The FIA also clarified that “the protest is dismissed as unfounded” and that Red Bull’s deposit was retained.

A controversial precedent
The decision sets an important precedent for managing behaviour under the Safety Car. If Red Bull had hoped for a penalty against Max Verstappen’s direct rival, the FIA emphasized the importance of evaluating data objectively and within context. In this case, George Russell was found completely free of any wrongdoing.