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FIA Rejects Red Bull’s Protest Against George Russell After Miami Grand Prix
The FIA has officially dismissed a late protest filed by Red Bull Racing against Mercedes driver George Russell following the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The protest, which had the potential to alter the final race standings, focused on an alleged infraction committed by Russell during a yellow flag period.
Red Bull alleged that Russell failed to comply with Appendix H, Article 2.5.5 b) of the International Sporting Code, which requires drivers to reduce speed when yellow flags are shown. According to Red Bull, although Russell lifted off the throttle during the yellow flag phase, he did not slow down sufficiently and therefore breached the regulations.
However, after a thorough review, the race stewards concluded that Russell had in fact complied with the rules. The FIA stated that the Mercedes driver had reduced his speed in a way that was “discernible” and slower than his normal racing pace in that section of the track. This reduction was in accordance with Article 26.1 a) of the Sporting Regulations, the same article Red Bull cited in their protest.
Mercedes defended their driver by stating that lifting off the throttle in a yellow flag zone is widely accepted by all teams and the FIA as an adequate response. The stewards agreed with Mercedes’ interpretation after reviewing onboard footage, leading to the rejection of Red Bull’s complaint. Furthermore, because the protest was submitted late, Red Bull also forfeited their protest fee.
Had the protest been upheld, Russell would likely have been handed a 10-second time penalty, which is the standard sanction for failing to slow under yellow flag conditions. This would have dropped him from third place to fourth, allowing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to claim the final podium position. However, with the protest denied, Russell retains his third-place finish.
In addition to Russell, both Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly were investigated for similar infractions involving yellow flags. The stewards examined their actions closely using footage from multiple angles. In both cases, it was determined that the yellow flags were not visible to the drivers at the relevant moments. As a result, neither Sainz nor Gasly received a penalty, though they were issued formal warnings.
Sainz, driving for Ferrari, managed to preserve his ninth-place finish, which earned him valuable points in the championship standings. Meanwhile, Alpine’s Gasly kept his 13th-place result, albeit outside of the points.
The FIA’s firm stance on the matter has put an end to speculation surrounding a potential reshuffling of the Miami Grand Prix results. While Red Bull’s protest demonstrated the team’s vigilance in enforcing the rules, the stewards’ decision reinforces the importance of consistent interpretation of yellow flag protocols.
This incident highlights the fine margins and intense scrutiny drivers and teams face in Formula 1, where even minor actions during a race can spark post-race controversy and affect championship outcomes.
