George Russell delivered an impressive performance to secure Mercedes’ first win of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by a mere 0.228 seconds under the safety car. The victory marked Russell’s fourth career win and was made all the more remarkable by the dramatic conclusion to the race. As the drivers battled for position in the final laps, McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided while fighting for fourth place, with Norris crashing out of the race and Piastri managing to finish fourth.
Russell’s teammate, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, completed a memorable day for Mercedes by finishing third, becoming the third-youngest podium finisher in Formula One history. Antonelli showed remarkable composure under pressure from Piastri, who was unable to overtake him despite intense late pressure. The Italian rookie’s achievement was met with enthusiasm from the crowd at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, who chanted his name as he took his podium place.
The race was marked by strategic battles and unexpected twists, including Verstappen’s early pit stop and Norris’s questionable decision to switch to medium tires. Charles Leclerc finished fifth, followed by Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Nico Hulkenberg, while Esteban Ocon secured ninth place for Haas, marking their 200th race with a solid points finish.
Russell expressed his delight at delivering Mercedes’ first win since the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, praising his team’s performance and Antonelli’s impressive podium finish. Verstappen congratulated both Mercedes drivers on their victory, acknowledging their strong strategy and performance. The result has significant implications for the drivers’ standings, with Piastri extending his lead over Norris despite the latter’s retirement.
