Max Verstappen has broken his silence after a controversial piece of footage surfaced from the Canadian Grand Prix, showing what many believe to be a clear breach of an obscure yet binding Formula 1 regulation — overtaking under the safety car.

The moment in question occurred in the final laps of the Montreal race, just after Lando Norris crashed in his attempt to overtake Oscar Piastri. With the safety car deployed, George Russell was leading the race ahead of Verstappen. However, onboard replays appeared to show Verstappen briefly overtaking the Mercedes driver before restoring the order.

6Russell beat Verstappen in Canada but Red Bull then protested his winCredit: Getty6But not before some teasing inside and outside of the carsCredit: Getty

Russell immediately called it out on team radio: “Verstappen just overtook me under the safety car.”

Verstappen, however, gave a different version to Red Bull: “George suddenly just aggressively braked.”

According to FIA Sporting Regulations — specifically Articles 49.5 and 58.12 — overtaking under the safety car is strictly prohibited unless the lead car is visibly encountering a problem or delayed. No such issue was apparent in Russell’s case.

When asked about the footage and the possibility of a post-race investigation, Verstappen commented: “I was surprised by the reaction. From where I was sitting, it wasn’t an overtake, it was a moment of confusion because George slowed abruptly. I immediately gave the position back. That’s how racing works sometimes under the safety car — it gets tight, but I didn’t gain an advantage.”

The FIA, for their part, confirmed that no penalty would be issued for the incident, citing the lack of intent and the immediate correction made by Verstappen.

In an official statement, the FIA clarified: “We have reviewed the telemetry and video evidence from the Canadian Grand Prix. While there was a brief moment where Car 1 [Verstappen] was ahead of Car 63 [Russell], it was not deemed an overtaking maneuver as the position was immediately returned. No further action will be taken.”

6Russell was right up behind the safety carCredit: F16Then all of a sudden Verstappen was aheadCredit: F1

6Things got nasty between the pair back in 20236In 2024 things completely boiled overCredit: Getty

However, the incident is likely to keep tensions high between the two rivals, whose relationship has become increasingly hostile over the past two seasons. The FIA also added a cautionary note for the future: “Drivers are reminded that any infringement under the safety car — regardless of outcome — may be subject to future penalties. Clarity and caution are paramount in these situations.”

With Verstappen sitting on 11 penalty points — just one away from a race ban — any future incidents could have serious consequences. And with the Austrian GP looming, Verstappen will need to keep a clean sheet on Red Bull’s home turf.