Verstappen himself brought the issue to the attention of his team over the radio during the closing stages of the race, and Red Bull lodged the protest shortly after the race ended. Speaking with the media,

George Russell has rubbished suggestions that McLaren are doing anything untoward with their tyres, the Briton saying rather than level allegations, rivals should give “credit where credit’s due”. McLaren have found themselves the target of suspicions within the Formula 1 paddock,