Red Bull has lodged a protest against the Mercedes of George Russell for failing to slow down for yellow flags in the 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
The British driver finished ahead of Max Verstappen on track as he benefited from a Virtual Safety Car.
Russell had started the race from fifth, and leading up to the first round of pit stops, remained in that position.
However, with the timing of Oliver Bearman’s stoppage on track, Russell pitted under yellow flag conditions to leapfrog his team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
He also managed to jump Verstappen, as the Sauber of Gabriel Bortoleto pulled to the side of the track with an issue, and another VSC was called.
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Over the team radio, Verstappen told his team: “Check if George lifted, it was a yellow.”
The Dutchman felt that Russell didn’t slow down enough in reaction to the VSC, with his team now backing Verstappen’s appeals.
The Red Bull driver finished fourth whilst Russell claimed the final podium spot.
Verstappen was asked by his team towards the end to remain within five seconds of the Mercedes driver, in case of a post-race penalty.
Both Russell and Red Bull were called in at 7:15 PM local time, with a decision yet to be made.
When asked about Red Bull’s message during the race, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff was unaware of the incident
“I think there was a situation regarding the yellow flags,” he told selectmedia including Motorsport Week.
“I think this is what Max said on the radio to check.
“I don’t know…not that we are aware of it.”
More to follow…
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