FIA issue race result announcement after late Red Bull PROTEST

FIA issue race result announcement after late Red Bull PROTEST following…..read more

At the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, a dramatic post-race development saw Red Bull Racing lodge a late protest against Mercedes driver George Russell, questioning the legality of his actions during a yellow flag period. Red Bull’s protest, if upheld, could have led to a reshuffling of the race results—particularly Russell’s third-place finish on the podium. However, the FIA has now officially announced that the protest has been dismissed, and the original race result will stand unchanged.

The issue at hand involved an alleged infraction of Appendix H, Article 2.5.5 b) of the FIA’s International Sporting Code. Red Bull alleged that during a yellow flag phase—when drivers are expected to reduce speed and demonstrate caution—George Russell failed to significantly slow down. The team acknowledged that while Russell did lift off the throttle, they believed that his actual speed was not reduced sufficiently to meet the requirements of the regulation. According to Red Bull, this failure to decrease his pace meant that Russell did not adhere to the spirit or letter of the rules regarding yellow flag conditions.

In contrast, Mercedes defended their driver’s actions, stating that Russell complied with the procedure that is widely recognized and routinely practiced throughout the grid. The team argued that lifting off the throttle noticeably in a yellow flag zone is generally accepted by the FIA and other teams as a valid and sufficient measure to demonstrate caution. They pointed out that this approach is consistent with what has been considered compliant behavior in similar past incidents, and that Russell’s reaction was in line with the expectations set within the sport.

After reviewing the evidence and arguments from both sides, the FIA stewards rejected Red Bull’s protest. The decision was based on the conclusion that Russell’s actions were within the bounds of accepted racing conduct during yellow flag situations. As a result, his third-place finish in the Miami Grand Prix has been upheld.

This incident highlights the fine margins and interpretive nuances of Formula 1 regulations, especially when it comes to in-race conduct under specific flags and signals. Yellow flags are used to warn drivers of hazards on track, and the rules mandate a visible reduction in speed. However, the definition of “sufficient speed reduction” can sometimes be open to interpretation, particularly when telemetry data and driver intent are considered.

Red Bull’s move to challenge Russell’s conduct post-race underscores the competitive tensions between top teams and the lengths to which they will go to maximize their results or protect their own interests. While the protest was ultimately unsuccessful, it serves as a reminder of how closely teams monitor each other’s actions, not only during the race but also in the aftermath.

In conclusion, George Russell retains his podium finish from the Miami Grand Prix after the FIA dismissed Red Bull’s protest concerning an alleged yellow flag violation. The stewards’ verdict reinforces the current understanding of acceptable behavior under yellow flag conditions, aligning with Mercedes’ defense of their driver’s actions. The outcome ensures that the race classification remains unchanged, and Russell keeps his hard-fought third-place finish.