George Russell Secures Victory Amid Red Bull Protests at Canadian Grand Prix
Montreal, Canada – George Russell clinched his first victory of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix, but the win was marred by protests from Red Bull Racing. The Milton Keynes-based team lodged two claims against the Mercedes driver, questioning his conduct during the race, which included allegations of erratic braking and unsportsmanlike behavior.
Despite Red Bull’s challenges, both protests were dismissed, allowing Russell’s win to stand. Max Verstappen finished in second place, followed by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who celebrated his inaugural F1 podium for Mercedes.
Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff criticized Red Bull’s actions as “petty and small,” suggesting they were reminiscent of previous protests made during the Miami event.
"Honestly, it’s so petty and so small," Wolff stated to Sky Sports F1. "You race, you win, and you lose on track. That was a fair victory for us, just as they have had in the past. It’s embarrassing."
Wolff also noted the delay in Red Bull’s protest, which took two hours post-race, and questioned the rationale behind their claims of unsportsmanlike intent. He emphasized that "real racers" like Verstappen wouldn’t pursue such trivial matters.
On the contractual front, discussions surrounding Russell’s future with Mercedes continue as his current deal nears its end. Wolff confirmed that plans remain "on track," suggesting a potential extension could still be forthcoming.
The incident underscores the increasingly competitive landscape of Formula 1, where tensions between top teams are palpable, further complicated by the regulatory framework in which they operate.
