At the Canadian Grand Prix, a dispute surfaced between Max Verstappen and George Russell following the race, drawing significant attention within the Formula 1 community. Red Bull has filed a formal complaint alleging that Russell’s actions behind the Safety Car were intended to provoke a penalty against Verstappen, who had crossed the finish line first on track.
Allegations of Tactical Maneuvering Behind the Safety Car
The controversy centers on claims that Russell abruptly slowed down under the Safety Car, which allowed Verstappen to overtake him momentarily. This incident raised concerns about race conduct, as deliberate manipulation of positions behind the Safety Car can carry serious consequences, including possible disqualification from upcoming events. Verstappen and his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase closely monitored Russell’s behavior during the sequence following Lando Norris’ accident.
Team Radio Reveals Verstappen’s Warning and Lambiase’s Advice
In the heat of the moment, Verstappen alerted Lambiase over the radio about Russell’s sudden braking. The exchange highlighted Verstappen’s suspicion and the team’s intention to scrutinize the incident carefully:
“Understood, thank you. We will check if there is any irregular driving.” —Gianpiero Lambiase
“We also see it in our data stream, Max. Thank you for the information.” —Gianpiero Lambiase
“Okay, we will also check this, thank you.” —Gianpiero Lambiase
“Yes, the incident with Russell is now being shown in the feeds, Max. So, [I would say it’s] quite evident. Just, don’t fall for his tricks, okay? Thank you.” —Gianpiero Lambiase
This warning from Lambiase reflects a strategic approach to the situation, cautioning Verstappen not to respond impulsively to Russell’s tactics while investigations continue.
Potential Consequences and Pending Steward Review
The stewards are examining the data and video evidence to determine whether Russell’s conduct breached race regulations. The final ruling could affect the official race standings and have a significant impact on both drivers’ championship campaigns. As the Formula 1 world awaits a decision, the unresolved controversy adds an extra layer of tension to the ongoing rivalry between Verstappen and Russell.