Red Bull’s Protest Puts George Russell’s Miami GP Podium Fin

Red Bull’s Protest Puts George Russell’s Miami GP Podium Finish at….read more

George Russell’s podium finish at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix is facing uncertainty after Red Bull Racing lodged a formal protest over an incident that occurred during the race. The controversy centers on an alleged breach of FIA regulations, potentially jeopardizing Russell’s third-place result, pending further investigation.

The issue stems from an incident involving Russell and Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez during the closing stages of the Grand Prix. Red Bull claims that Russell gained an unfair advantage by exceeding track limits at Turn 14, which allowed him to retain position under circumstances that may have breached the sporting code. The FIA is now reviewing the complaint to determine whether Mercedes’ driver should face any penalties.

The protest comes amid heightened tensions on the grid, as teams are increasingly vigilant about enforcing track limits and ensuring fairness in overtaking maneuvers. Red Bull maintains that the move gave Russell a decisive edge and compromised the integrity of the final race results. Team principal Christian Horner stated, “We want consistency in the application of rules. If a driver gains an advantage off-track, it must be investigated and addressed appropriately.”

Race stewards did not immediately penalize Russell during the Grand Prix, which raised eyebrows in the Red Bull garage. The team believes that evidence gathered post-race—particularly onboard footage and telemetry data—demonstrates that Russell left the circuit and rejoined without ceding any advantage, violating FIA Sporting Regulations Article 27.3. This clause stipulates that a driver must not gain a lasting advantage by leaving the track.

Mercedes, for their part, has defended Russell’s actions, arguing that any departure from the racing line was minimal and had no bearing on the outcome. Team boss Toto Wolff dismissed Red Bull’s complaint as “overblown,” suggesting the protest was more about strategy than substance. “We’re confident George drove within the rules and earned that podium,” Wolff commented.

The FIA has confirmed receipt of the protest and stated it would be reviewed in accordance with the standard regulatory process. A hearing is expected within the next few days, after which a ruling will be made. If the protest is upheld, Russell could face a time penalty, potentially demoting him from third place and altering the final race classification.

This protest could have significant implications for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Russell’s podium has contributed vital points to Mercedes’ campaign, and a post-race penalty could narrow the gap between Red Bull and their main rivals. Pérez, who finished fourth, stands to benefit directly if Russell is penalized, as he would be promoted to third and collect additional championship points.

The Miami Grand Prix, already a closely contested race, has been further clouded by this dispute. Fans and analysts are split over the legitimacy of Red Bull’s protest. Some argue that stricter enforcement of track limits is long overdue, while others believe the incident in question had negligible impact and should not affect the final results.

The FIA’s decision will likely reignite the ongoing debate about the consistency of stewarding decisions and the transparency of race regulations. Over the past few seasons, teams have increasingly turned to post-race protests and reviews to challenge on-track events, making the role of the governing body more pivotal than ever.

In the meantime, George Russell remains officially classified as third in the Miami Grand Prix standings, but his position hangs in the balance. Both Mercedes and Red Bull await the outcome of the FIA’s deliberations, which could have lasting effects on the 2025 Formula 1 season.

As the motorsport world watches closely, the upcoming ruling may set a precedent for how such incidents are judged in future races—potentially reshaping how teams and drivers approach racing at the limits