In a surprising turning point of events that follows the dramatic Canadian Grand Prix of 2025, the FIA released new data on board and telemetry that have shed light on the new light on the controversial accident between Max Verstappen and George Russell. The collision, which took place during round 47 at Curve 3, initially did not mean any further actions. After public protests and a formal assessment of Mercedes, however, the case was reopened for investigation after the Gara.
The just newly released video shows Verstappen that does what the FIA now describes as a late and aggressive defensive maneuver that Russell forced to get out of the ideal racing line and in the grass. While the Red Bull director claimed that it was a “hard but correct but correct defense”, the telemetry reveals a sudden adjustment of the combined control with an inhibiting brakes, causing questions about the intention.
Consequently, the FIA spent another 10 seconds of a fine in Verstappen, along with 2 penalty points on its super license. This Post-Gara Penalty Degrada Verstappen from P2 to P4 in the last classification, which gives Lewis Hamilton in second place and Russell gives the end point of the Podium-Ironic, his first of the season.
Red Bull Racing replied with a short statement that disappointed for the retroactive effect of the decision, but confirmed that they do not appeal. The director of Team Christian Horner added: “We respect the authority of the FIA, but we are firmly convinced that Max falls within the limits of the breeds”.
This marks the second time in three races that Verstappen received after the Gara sanctions, a renewed debate between fans and analysts about the consistency in the administration and about the growing tension between Red Bull and Mercedes who go to the summer championship, which are on their way to the summer championship of the championship.
