Red Bull has accused its Formula 1 rivals of trying to bait Max Verstappen into actions that could lead to a race ban ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. The team revealed it approached FIA race director Rui Marques to express worries that other drivers might attempt to provoke Verstappen, who was dangerously close to accumulating a race ban due to penalty points.

With Verstappen only one penalty point away from suspension, Red Bull sought assurances from Marques during the pre-race drivers’ briefing in Montreal, aiming to safeguard Verstappen from any deliberate provocations that could unfairly result in a ban.

Christian Horner Highlights Need to Prevent Unsportsmanlike Conduct Towards Verstappen

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s Team Principal, addressed the situation by emphasizing the team‘s commitment to fair competition amid allegations of gamesmanship targeting Verstappen. Horner stressed that despite provocations from rivals, Verstappen maintained a clean track record throughout the race weekend.

The catalyst for Red Bull’s heightened alert came from comments by rival drivers hinting that Verstappen might be subject to a ban, particularly remarks from George Russell, whose prior clashes with Verstappen in Spain had escalated tensions. Horner warned that such tactics aimed at destabilizing Verstappen had to be taken seriously.

George Russell’s Comments Spark Tensions and FIA Involvement

George Russell’s post-qualifying remarks intensified the controversy, with Red Bull interpreting them as deliberate moves to unsettle Verstappen. Despite protests from Red Bull, FIA stewards found no proof of unsportsmanlike behavior by Russell.

This was not the first time Red Bull took issue with Russell, as they had previously lodged a complaint against him during the Miami Grand Prix. Horner clarified that the protests were not motivated by personal grudges but rather were responses to perceived rule violations.

Ongoing Rivalry Between Verstappen and Russell Fuels Tensions in F1

The rivalry between Verstappen and Russell continues to escalate, with both drivers and their teams involved in a series of confrontations on and off the track. Red Bull remains firm in defending the sport’s integrity against what it perceives as attempts by competitors to exploit regulations and provoke penalties.

As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, the focus remains on this fierce battle for dominance, with heightened scrutiny around managing sportsmanship and ensuring a level playing field within the Formula 1 community.

“This clash between Red Bull and Russell is not an isolated incident, as the team had previously lodged a protest against the driver during the Miami Grand Prix.” —Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal
“The team wanted to ensure that Verstappen would not fall victim to any underhanded tactics orchestrated by other drivers.” —Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal
“Despite concerns raised by rival drivers, Verstappen had maintained a clean record throughout the weekend.” —Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal