The 2025 Miami Grand Prix delivered thrilling on-track action and a dose of post-race drama involving George Russell. After a contentious protest from Red Bull, many Formula 1 fans wondered whether Russell would be stripped of his third-place finish or if he would remain on the podium. Let's explore the events, the stewards' decision, and what it means for Russell and the season ahead.

The Incident: Red Bull's Protest Against George Russell

During the Miami Grand Prix, George Russell, driving for Mercedes, was accused by Red Bull of not sufficiently slowing under single-waved yellow flags. Red Bull team believed Russell might have breached the regulations. Max Verstappen, running just behind, was instructed to stay within five seconds of Russell in anticipation of a possible time penalty.

After the race, Red Bull officially protested the result. They claimed Russell "did not reduce speed" enough when passing a yellow flag zone. Mercedes, however, argued that Russell had lifted off the throttle significantly, which complies with the regulations according to established practice.

For more insights into Red Bull’s official complaint and the Miami stewards’ decision, read Formula 1’s official summary.

Stewards' Ruling: Why Russell Kept His Podium

The stewards reviewed comprehensive data, including on-board footage and telemetry from Russell’s car. The key regulation, Article 26.1 a) of the sporting code, requires drivers to "discernibly reduce speed" in a yellow flag zone. Red Bull argued this means the car's speed must drop below entry speed, while Mercedes and the stewards interpreted it as going slower than normal racing speed through that section.

Telemetry revealed that Russell lifted his throttle by approximately 25%, reducing engine torque by about 30%. The stewards concluded his speed through the zone was "considerably slower than regular racing speed." Thus, the requirement was met, even if the absolute speed wasn’t lower than his entry because of track characteristics.

To understand the role of F1’s yellow flag rules and see a detailed breakdown, check out The Race’s analysis.

What This Means for Russell and Mercedes

By dismissing Red Bull’s protest, the stewards confirmed that George Russell would retain his third-place finish. This result adds crucial points to both Russell’s driver tally and Mercedes’ position in the constructors’ championship. Russell’s consistent podiums further highlight his resilience and the competitiveness of his 2025 campaign.

For an in-depth report of the stewards' hearing and direct quotes from the teams, you can visit Sky Sports’ F1 news coverage.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in the Season

Miami’s controversy shows how closely teams and officials scrutinize every action on track. While rival teams push for clarity and adherence to rules, George Russell remains focused on delivering strong finishes for Mercedes. The Miami outcome reinforces his place as one of F1’s most capable and composed drivers.

As the season continues, all eyes will be on Russell to see if he can build on this momentum. For F1 fans, moments like these add to the excitement and unpredictability of the championship.