There has been plenty to talk about in the world of Formula One since the Canadian Grand Prix. From the fallout of the clash of the McLaren titans to the controversial nature of George Russell’s victory.
After the Brit managed to hold off Max Verstappen to land the spoils in Montreal, it emerged that Red Bull had lodged two protests against Russell. They felt that he drove erratically from the front to prevent Verstappen from going by, as well as complaining that he had shown ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ over the radio.
Express Sport gives you a rundown of the key stories…
Russell result confirmed
A document from the FIA has confirmed that Russell will keep his victory in Canada. The stewards reviewed data and video evidence of the race and ruled that they were satisfied with how the action unfolded.
A document confirming the result has since been released which read: “We accept the driver of Car 63’s [Russell’s] explanation of the incident and we are satisfied that the driver of Car 63 did not drive erratically by braking where he did or to the extent he did.
“We are not satisfied that by simply reporting to his team that Car 1 [Verstappen] had overtaken that he engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct. Even though the protest did not allege it, we are also satisfied that by braking where and when he did and to the extent he did, the driver of Car 63 did not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct.”
Russell hits out at Red Bull for protests
Russell has labelled Red Bull’s two protests as a ‘waste of everybody’s time’ after it meant that some McLaren staff missed their flights home due to the hearing.
Red Bull’s Christian Horner felt that Russell had been driving ‘erratically’ behind the safety car and braking ‘unnecessarily’ on the back straight between turns 12 and 13. He also felt it was ‘unsporting’ for Russell to complain over his team radio about being overtaken by Verstappen.
Six hours after the race finished, Russell’s victory was confirmed.
Speaking about the saga, the Brit said: “Max [Verstappen] didn’t know there was a protest even going on,” he said. “So I don’t know what was going on, what they were thinking. I’m glad nothing happened one way or another.
“It was just a bit of a waste of everybody’s time. Shov [Andrew Shovlin] and Ron [Meadows] who work with the team both missed their flights last night so it was just a bit of a faff for everybody. But it’s over now. Eyes forward.”