Nico Rosberg Gives New Max Verstappen Theory Behind Red Bull’s George Russell Protest

Nico Rosberg firmly believes that Max Verstappen pushed Red Bull to lodge a formal complaint against George Russell in Canada.

Nico Rosberg Gives New Max Verstappen Theory Behind Red Bull’s George Russell Protest

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO), Nico Rosberg (via GP33), and George Russell (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen and George Russell were the two drivers to watch closely at the Canadian GP after the two shared the front row. Verstappen is on the verge of receiving a one-race ban after accumulating 11 points out of the allowed 12 limit. Russell allegedly resorted to petty tactics by the end of the race to force the Dutchman to a penalty. Red Bull lodged a complaint against these moves from the Briton, as ex-F1 champion Nico Rosberg guesses the reason behind the team’s decision.

Red Bull’s formal protest claimed that George Russell intentionally brake-checked Max Verstappen at the Canadian GP. Russell had immediately complained on team radio that Verstappen overtook him under the safety car, which wasn’t really the case. Nothing came of Milton Keynes’ protest as the FIA cleared both drivers of any wrongdoing. However, Nico Rosberg, who has actively commented against the Dutchman’s driving this year, has once again shared his blunt opinion on the status quo.

Nico Rosberg reckoned that Red Bull’s complaint against George Russell at the Canadian GP wasn’t only the team’s decision. The 2016 F1 champion firmly believes that Max Verstappen pushed Milton Keynes to make the complaint. Rosberg pointed out that Verstappen was angry with the Briton’s tactics and didn’t want any part of it. As such, the German reckoned that it wouldn’t surprise him if the four-time champion forced the appeal to put Russell in trouble and force a penalty the other way around.

I think also the fact that Red Bull then appealed, it wouldn’t surprise me if that was pushed by Max, because Max got angry that George hit the brakes and tried to get him into a penalty situation. So Max was like, ‘I’m not having that.’ Asking his team to appeal to try and get George in trouble, it wouldn’t surprise me.

Nico Rosberg said on Sky’s The F1 Show podcast

Russell and Verstappen haven’t been the best of friends when it comes to racing one another on the track. Hence, such petty tactics from both sides aren’t completely unexpected or surprising. Nico Rosberg is glad that the cat and mouse game continues, as this makes races all the more exciting. Moreover, with the drivers’ championship seemingly tighter than ever, Rosberg wouldn’t mind some dirty tricks to trump the rival driver and come out on top.

So we’re seeing the cat and mouse games continue.

Nico Rosberg added

Toto Wolff ‘100% sure’ Red Bull’s protest wasn’t forced by Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen was visibly frustrated by George Russell’s move against him at the Canadian GP. He immediately lashed out on the team radio and asked for the matter to be looked into. Subsequently, Red Bull’s double protest against Russell made many people believe that it was because of Verstappen’s frustrations. However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is confident that the 27-year-old was not the reason behind Milton Keynes’ complaint against the team and driver.

Max Verstappen and George Russell (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen and George Russell (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Toto Wolff was questioned about his thoughts on the matter and if Max Verstappen was the one to blame for the complaint. The Mercedes boss firmly stated that he was 100% sure that Verstappen had no role in the formal protest against Russell. The Austrian noted that the 27-year-old is a racer and would never think of protesting against such trivial matters. This meant that the 53-year-old blamed Red Bull for the entire matter and considered them at fault.

I know 100% it wasn’t Max, he’s a racer. He would never go for a protest for such a trivial thing.

Toto Wolff told Sky Sports

Now, as nothing came of the entire fiasco, both teams will focus on the upcoming Austrian GP. It is imperative that Red Bull put up a grand performance at their home race, as Verstappen would witness great support towards him. Milton Keynes is already far off in the constructors’ championship, but the four-time champion still has a realistic shot at contending for the drivers’ title towards the end of the 2025 season.

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