In a surprising turning point of events that follows the dramatic Canadian Grand Prix of 2025, the FIA ​​has released new data on board and telemetry that have shed light on the new light on the high profile accident between Max Verstappen and George Russell. The collision, which took place during lap 47 at curve 3, initially did not involve further actions. However, after public protests and a formal review of Mercedes, the case was reopened for post-gara investigations.

The video just released shows Verstappen who does what the FIA ​​now describes as a late and aggressive defensive maneuver that forced Russell to get out of the ideal racing line and in the grass. While the Red Bull driver claimed that it was a “hard but right but right defense”, the telemetry reveals a sudden adjustment of the combined steering with a braking braking, raising questions about intention.

Consequently, the FIA ​​has issued another 10 second penalty in Verstappen, together with 2 penalty points on its super license. This post-gara penalty degrada Verstappen from P2 to P4 in the final classification, raising Lewis Hamilton in second place and giving Russell the end point of the podium-ironically, his first of the season.

Red Bull Racing replied with a short declaration that expresses disappointment for the retroactive nature of the decision, but confirmed that they will not appeal. The principal of Team Christian Horner added: “We respect the Authority of the FIA, but we firmly believe that Max falls within the limits of the races”.

This marks the second time in three races that Verstappen has received post-gara sanctions, turning on a renewed debate between fans and analysts on consistency in the administration and on the growing tension between Red Bull and Mercedes who head towards the summer leg of the championship