George Russell retains podium in Miami as Red Bull protest rejected

George Russell holds onto his podium finish at the 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix after Red Bull’s protest was unsuccessful.

Max Verstappen finished behind the Mercedes driver in fourth, as a Virtual Safety Car benefited Russell.

However, the reigning World Champion claimed that he had failed to slow down for yellow flags, as Red Bull waived its right to protest after the race.

Holding out for a penalty, the team asked Verstappen over the radio to keep within five seconds in case of a penalty for Russell.

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But the race stewards have rejected the Milton Keynes-based squad’s protest.

A document released by the FIA read: “It was evident from the onboard footage as well as from telemetry that Car 63 lifted the throttle when passing the yellow flag zone.

“The throttle was lifted by approx. 25 percent and this resulted in a reduction of torque of approx. 30 percent.”

Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz both escaped with just a warning for the same offence of failing to slow down for yellow flags.

The stewards determined that both the Alpine and Williams drivers were only shown one yellow flag from a marshal post against a yellow background in a quick part of the track.

Therefore, the “unique scenario” led to both drivers avoiding a penalty due to the mitigating factors — both competitors were also unable to see the stricken car and there was no light panel in place at that point or any visual or audible warning.

Sainz holds onto his ninth-place finish and the two points collected for the team, whilst Gasly remains in 13th place.

READ MORE — Red Bull protests against George Russell after Miami F1 GP