Was Wolff right? Here's what Verstappen thought about Red Bull's protest against Russell

Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, is convinced: the decision by Red Bull Racing to lodge two protests against George Russell's race win in Canada did not come from Max Verstappen.

Indeed, team principal Christian Horner confirmed right after the race in Montreal that the reigning world champion had not been informed about this protest in advance.

Eventually, Verstappen was expected to appear in front of the stewards, to discuss what had happened in the closing stages of the Grand Prix according to Red Bull - namely, George Russell braking extremely hard, which could have caused a dangerous situation. Like a true team player, Verstappen argued the case on behalf of the Austrian team.

GPblog inquired about the events after the Canadian Grand Prix and hears that the Dutch driver indeed had nothing to do with the protest described by Wolff as ‘pathetic'. What's more, if it had been up to Verstappen, there would have been no protest at all.

Verstappen always wants to win and does everything in his power to actually emerge victorious. But he is also someone who wants to achieve this on the track and not with the stewards. Once Russell and then he himself crossed the finish line, the race was over for him. Russell was congratulated on his victory, Verstappen received a trophy for second place and now it's time for the next event.

Eyeing the world championship, the extra points Verstappen would have received if Russell had indeed been penalised would have been very welcome. But he would not have felt like the real winner of the race.

That Verstappen did not wait for the outcome of the protest - and possibly still claim the win - was a clear sign that the matter was settled for the Dutchman.