George Russell secured victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a race marked by significant late drama following a collision between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Much of the pre-race focus was on a potential battle between Russell and Max Verstappen, especially after Verstappen`s qualifying frustrations regarding penalty points. However, a direct duel between the two front-runners didn`t fully develop.
Instead, the McLaren drivers became the center of attention. Their incident is currently under investigation by the race stewards for `alleged causing a collision`.
On Lap 66, as they competed for fourth place late in the race, Norris made contact with the rear of Piastri`s car.
Norris had a run on Piastri on the main straight. However, as the track curved right, Norris drifted wide, reducing the space to Piastri`s car and resulting in the contact that sent Norris into the wall.
The crash eliminated Norris from the race, while Piastri managed to finish and score points.
Although the incident between the two teammates will attract significant attention, there was no dispute from Norris regarding responsibility – he immediately accepted full blame.
Immediately after the incident, Norris stated over team radio: “Sorry. All my bad. All my fault. Stupid from me.”
The collision also led to the race concluding under safety car conditions.
The safety car period helped Russell`s teammate, the young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, secure the first podium finish of his Formula 1 career. This made him the third youngest driver ever to achieve a podium, after Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll.
Antonelli commented: “It was so stressful but [I`m] super happy. I had a good start, managed to jump into P3 and just stayed up there at the front.”
Russell described his win as `amazing`, happy to be back on the top step.
Russell added: “The last time for us was back in Vegas. I felt last year was a victory lost and probably got the victory today due to the incredible pole lap yesterday. Obviously so happy to see Kimi on the podium as well.”
Piastri, despite the incident, avoided major damage and finished in fourth place. Charles Leclerc was fifth for Ferrari, followed by his teammate Lewis Hamilton in sixth.
Lewis Hamilton, who described his car`s handling as like dancing with someone without rhythm, appeared puzzled by his lack of pace throughout the race.
At one point, Hamilton expressed his frustration over the radio, saying: “I`m nowhere in this race, mate.”
Later in the race, he reported hitting a groundhog, which caused damage to the car`s floor.
Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin finished seventh, continuing his recent improved form. He finished ahead of Nico Hulkenberg, who secured eighth place for Sauber.
Esteban Ocon claimed ninth place for Haas, and Carlos Sainz took the final championship point for Williams by finishing tenth.
Canadian Grand Prix Top 10 Results
| Driver | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – George Russell | Mercedes | 1:14.119* |
| 2 – Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.228 |
| 3 – Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | +1.014 |
| 4 – Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +2.109 |
| 5 – Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +3.442 |
| 6 – Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +10.713 |
| 7 – Fernando Alonso | Ferrari | +10.972 |
| 8 – Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber | +15.364 |
| 9 – Esteban Ocon | Haas | +1 LAP |
| 10 – Carlos Sainz | Williams | +1 LAP |
| *Fastest lap | ||
