George Russell’s ruthless tactic against Max Verstappen made headlines during the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, where the Mercedes driver deliberately braked late under the safety car, sparking controversy in Montreal. This move reignited the intense rivalry between Russell and Verstappen, underlining the growing tension between the two elite drivers vying for supremacy in Formula 1.
Russell and Verstappen’s Rivalry Escalates After Spanish GP Incident
The fierce competition between George Russell and Max Verstappen intensified earlier in the 2025 season at the Spanish Grand Prix, when Verstappen caused a clash with Russell. This resulted in Verstappen receiving a 10-second time penalty and three demerit points on his super license. Their confrontation spilled over into the Canadian GP, where under the safety car, Russell’s unusual late braking led to accusations of intentional misconduct aimed at forcing Verstappen to overtake him illegally.
Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver and brother of Michael Schumacher, suggested that Russell’s late braking was a deliberate tactic designed to demonstrate that he can be as ruthless as Verstappen in pursuing victory. Schumacher highlighted that Russell wanted to send a clear message that he is willing to push limits to win.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Ralf Schumacher said:
“He has now shown, ‘Watch out, Max. I am also someone who wants to win at all costs, who will do everything by all means necessary. You are not the only one on the field.’” —Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver
Despite criticizing the move as lacking elegance and being out of character for Russell, Ralf expressed admiration for the British driver’s triumph in Canada. The victory marked Russell’s first win of the 2025 season, while Mercedes also celebrated Kimi Antonelli’s impressive third-place finish, which made the 18-year-old rookie the youngest podium winner in F1 history.
Former Champion Nico Rosberg Supports Russell’s Provocative Safety Car Maneuver
Nico Rosberg, 2016 Formula 1 World Champion, publicly defended George Russell’s decision to brake late under the safety car in response to Verstappen’s aggressive pressure. Rosberg explained that Verstappen’s close positioning was intended to unsettle Russell, who reacted by sending a warning back.
Rosberg shared his perspective with Sky Sports:
“When you’re [behind] a safety car and you see Max Verstappen being cheeky and trying to make you nervous by making himself really big right next to you in that mirror, in the exact spot where the mirror is facing, you don’t like that. It really annoys you as a driver, like deeply, deeply annoys you. From there, it’s quite natural to say, ‘You know what? Take this, you sucker.’ So yes, he did want to hit the brakes and give one back to Max there.” —Nico Rosberg, 2016 F1 World Champion
Rosberg suggested that Verstappen’s team, Red Bull, likely lodged an official protest after the race as a result of their driver’s frustration with Russell’s safety car maneuver. According to Rosberg, Verstappen’s reaction was fueled by irritation over Russell’s tactics rather than outright rule-breaking intent.
Significance of Russell’s Canadian GP Victory and Future Implications
Russell’s aggressive approach during the Canadian Grand Prix not only secured his maiden win of the 2025 season but also positioned him as a formidable challenger to Verstappen’s dominance. His willingness to adopt ruthless tactics signals a deeper psychological battle shaping Formula 1’s championship fight. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ excitement over Antonelli’s breakthrough podium finish adds new momentum to their team’s ambitions.
As the season advances, the escalating rivalry between Russell and Verstappen promises more intense on-track battles, with strategic mind games becoming as crucial as pure speed. The Canadian incident serves as a stark warning that Russell is prepared to match Verstappen in aggression, raising the stakes for every remaining race.
