Canadian GP
Kimi Antonelli Wins Chaotic Canadian Grand Prix as George Russell Suffers Crushing DNF
Kimi Antonelli extended his remarkable championship surge with victory at the Canadian Grand Prix after Mercedes teammate George Russell retired dramatically while leading a fierce intra-team battle. The thrilling race in Montreal delivered major twists in the Formula 1 title fight, a disastrous afternoon for McLaren, and a long-awaited podium return for Max Verstappen. But only behind Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli’s fourth consecutive victory now gives the young Mercedes star a commanding championship advantage as momentum continues to shift dramatically in the 2026 F1 season.
Mercedes Teammates Clash in Intense Battle
The Canadian GP race immediately exploded into action after George Russell started slowly from pole position, allowing Kimi Antonelli to attack into the opening corners. McLaren driver Lando Norris briefly jumped both Mercedes cars to seize the lead before strategy issues derailed his race.
Once the race settled, the spotlight shifted entirely to the Mercedes teammates.
Russell and Antonelli traded the lead multiple times in one of the most aggressive wheel-to-wheel battles of the season. The pair repeatedly went side by side into the final chicane, with Antonelli accusing Russell of forcing him off the circuit during several close moments.
Mercedes engineers eventually warned both drivers to keep the battle under control as tensions escalated.
The rivalry ended abruptly on lap 30 when Russell’s car suddenly lost power. Mercedes later indicated a possible power unit issue caused the retirement.
Russell’s DNF dealt a devastating blow to his championship hopes and handed Antonelli a massive opportunity to extend his lead in the standings.
Lewis Hamilton Beats Verstappen in Late-Race Duel
With George Russell out of contention for the Canadian GP, attention turned to the fight for second between Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton spent much of the race chasing the reigning world champion before finally executing a brilliant overtake around the outside into Turn 1 with just six laps remaining.
Max Verstappen attempted to retaliate immediately, but Lewis Hamilton defended expertly to secure second place, his best Grand Prix finish since joining Ferrari.
Verstappen still celebrated a strong recovery drive by claiming his first podium finish of the 2026 campaign for Red Bull Racing.
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McLaren’s Strategy Gamble Backfires
McLaren endured a nightmare afternoon after making an aggressive tyre gamble before the race began.
Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri started on intermediate tyres despite dry conditions, hoping colder temperatures would provide an advantage. The strategy quickly unraveled.
Norris was forced to pit early after the tyres deteriorated rapidly, while Piastri later received a 10-second penalty following contact with Alex Albon.
Norris’ difficult day ended completely when a suspected gearbox failure forced him to retire on lap 39.
Antonelli Emerges as F1’s New Championship Favorite
Antonelli’s latest victory further cements his status as Formula 1’s breakout star of 2026.
The Italian teenager has now won four races in a row and appears increasingly comfortable leading Mercedes into a new era following years dominated by Hamilton and Verstappen.
Behind the front runners, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth, while Isack Hadjar impressed with fifth despite a late penalty.
With the title battle intensifying and Mercedes tensions rising, the Canadian Grand Prix may ultimately be remembered as the race that completely transformed the championship picture.
