Canadian Grand Prix: Verstappen-Russell Rivalry Intensifies Amidst Stewards’ Review
Montreal, Canada – Red Bull Racing’s Christian Horner disclosed that his team alerted the Canadian Grand Prix race director to be vigilant against potential "gamesmanship" towards Max Verstappen, exacerbated by recent tensions between the reigning champion and George Russell.
Verstappen, currently one penalty point away from a race ban after a collision with Russell in Spain, found himself embroiled in controversy again during the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Starting from second position, he faced a pole-sitting Russell. Despite a largely uneventful start, the dynamics shifted dramatically following a late safety car caused by Lando Norris’s crash.
As the safety car was deployed, Verstappen accused Russell over team radio of braking too harshly and breaching the mandated ten-car-length rule behind the safety car. This led Red Bull to submit a formal protest post-race, which was subsequently dismissed by the stewards. The protest cited Russell’s radio comments that suggested he experienced unsportsmanlike behavior from Verstappen.
Horner emphasized the need for precautionary measures, stating, "It’s inevitable that there was going to be some potential gamesmanship. This is something we raised with the race director, asking them to remain attentive to any issues that could lead to further penalties for Max."
After about 45 minutes of discussions with the stewards, both drivers returned to their respective teams. Russell and Mercedes ultimately celebrated their victory nearly six hours after the race concluded, yet the tensions between him and Verstappen remain unresolved.
Horner clarified that the protest was lodged without Verstappen’s prior knowledge, asserting, "Max had no idea. It’s within a competitor’s right to raise a protest, and we felt it necessary."
The strategic maneuvering and heightened rivalries underscore the competitive nature of the Formula 1 landscape as it progresses through the season.
