During the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Formula 1 team encountered a contentious moment when the team instructed Verstappen to return a position to George Russell on lap 64 following an on-track incident. Despite this direction from his team, the FIA later clarified that Verstappen was not required to yield the place back, sparking debate about team decision-making during the race.
This sequence of events came under scrutiny during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, with F1 journalist Ted Kravitz pointing to the error made by Red Bull’s strategists. At the heart of the controversy is Stephen Knowles, Red Bull’s Senior Race Strategy Engineer, who has recently taken on some responsibilities previously handled by Jonathan Wheatley. Knowles holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Bath and has spent over three years with Red Bull after a nine-year tenure at Mercedes.
Verstappen Supports Knowles Amidst Criticism
Responding to questions raised by Ted Kravitz, Verstappen stood firmly behind Stephen Knowles, emphasizing a team-first approach rather than blaming individuals for strategic missteps. He said,
“I think it’s not really nice to try and single out a person, to be honest, because that’s never the case. I think we just look at it as a team, what we always can do better, and that’s also how we look at it in Barcelona. But it’s not fair to now single out one single person,” Verstappen said, via Sky Sports.
Verstappen’s race at the Spanish GP ended with a 10th place finish after serving a 10-second penalty, underscoring the challenges faced by Red Bull during the event.
Ongoing Challenges Threaten Verstappen’s Podium Prospects in Canada
The 2025 Formula 1 season has been difficult for the Red Bull outfit based in Milton Keynes. Following the first nine races of the season, Verstappen stands third in the Drivers’ Championship, dealing with an inconsistent RB21 car. These issues have tempered expectations as the team approaches the Canadian Grand Prix at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit.
Verstappen indicated his doubts about securing a podium finish in Canada, citing the improved performance of rival teams. He explained,
“It’s a bit different this time around. [The McLarens] go faster. It’s not even in my head. I’m more focusing on the other teams. I know that last year, for example, Mercedes was very strong here. I think if you compare last year to now, maybe they’re more competitive as well. So, it will be hard enough to already fight for a podium,” Verstappen said, via Motorsport.
Strategic Precision Crucial for Title Hopes Moving Forward
With only 15 races left in the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, Red Bull’s ability to improve the RB21 and execute flawless strategy will be pivotal in maintaining Verstappen’s contention for the championship. The role of Stephen Knowles and the entire strategic team will be vital in navigating an increasingly competitive field as they aim to reverse recent setbacks and support Verstappen’s push towards another title challenge.
