Verstappen vs Russell: A dramatic dispute behind the safety car

Updated: 23:49, 15 Jun 2025
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In the final laps of the Canadian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and George Russell almost collided. As they were behind the safety car, they each pointed fingers at the other. 
It is well-known that you can not overtake under a safety car. Lapped cars are often given permission to unlap themselves before the safety car comes back in. However, this was not the case with Russell and Verstappen. 
The Mercedes driver and the Red Bull Racing driver suddenly found themselves side by side. Verstappen claims that Russell braked hard, while Russell claims Verstappen tried to overtake him. 

Verstappen responds to Russell's action

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When talking to Viaplay, Verstappen offered a neutral view of the incident. 
 "I think he (Russell, ed.) also wanted to tell the safety car to keep moving because he was driving deliberately slow. No idea why."
"That's why he hit the brakes more aggressively." 
Russell has not yet responded to the siituation at hand but during the race he did accuse him of trying to overtake, which usually comes with a penalty. Something Verstappen can not afford to have right now. 

Red Bull Racing files protest against Russell

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Red Bull Racing has lodged a protest against George Russell. Max Verstappen and George Russell have been summoned to the stewards at 17:50 local time. If Russell receives a penalty, Verstappen could still be awarded the Grand Prix victory.
This article was written in collaboration with Marnik Kok. 
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