The 2025 Canada Grand Prix had one of the most controversial finishes of the season.
During the race's final stage, Lando Norris collided with Oscar Piastri and caused the FIA safety car to enter the track.
The FIA safety car slowed the race down for the last few laps while George Russell was in first place.
F1 rules state that drivers cannot pass each other while the FIA safety car is on the track. Due to this, Russell was able to win the Canada Grand Prix without having to defend his position from longtime rival Max Verstappen.
Or so we thought, as the historic rivalry between George Russell and Max Verstappen produced the race's most ironic moment.
While driving behind the FIA safety car, Russell checked his brakes to keep his tires warm. This caused Max Verstappen to pass him for a brief moment before returning to second place.
According to Motorsport.com, Russell immediately went to his team radio and notified his crew about Verstappen's actions. This led Verstappen's Red Bull squad to challenge Russell's eventual victory and accuse the Mercedes driver of unsportsmanlike conduct.
The saga continues
After a review, the FIA decided to reject all of Red Bull's claims against George Russell.
According to Motorsport.com, the FIA ruled in favor of George Russell because "periodic braking behind the safety car is very common and to be expected."
While addressing Russell's commentary over his team radio, the FIA said, "We are not satisfied that by simply reporting to his team that Car 1 had overtaken that he engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct.”
Red Bull's failed challenges did not have a negative impact on Verstappen, but they were another page in the long book representing the Russell-Verstappen saga.
After the race, the drivers were able to remain cordial with each other in the waiting room. The drivers also seemed happy with their individual performances once it was time to hit the podium in front of the crowd.
While reflecting on his performance, George Russell said that “It’s amazing to be back on the top step, obviously the last time for us was back in Vegas.”
"I thought last year for us was a victory lost, and then obviously we got the victory today probably due to the incredible pole lap yesterday," the Canadian Grand Prix champion continued.
Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, finished 3rd in the race. Antonelli's performance secured one of Mercedes' best days of the season and fortified the manufacturer's position as the 2nd best organization in the teams' standings.