Red Bull Protests George Russell After Miami Grand Prix Controversy
Red Bull Racing has officially lodged a protest against George Russell following allegations that the Mercedes driver failed to adequately respond to yellow flags during the Miami Grand Prix.
The controversy unfolded during the race when Russell, benefiting from a pit stop under virtual safety car conditions, overtook Max Verstappen. Following Gabriel Bortoleto’s retirement on lap 33, Verstappen requested clarification from his team regarding Russell’s compliance with yellow flag regulations. Despite no immediate communication from race control suggesting an investigation, Red Bull instructed Verstappen to maintain proximity to Russell, finishing 2.3 seconds behind him.
As a result, after the race concluded, Red Bull submitted a formal protest against Russell. Both teams were called before the stewards at 7:15 p.m. local time, with the official race results pending.
Yellow flag violations are typically met with strict penalties from stewards, meaning that if the protest is upheld, Russell may face a sanction that could strip him of his podium finish. However, a potential 10-second penalty could allow him to retain third place, given that Alex Albon finished 10.4 seconds behind him.
The situation remains fluid, and further announcements from the stewards are anticipated.
