At the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, a dramatic collision between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris on the pit straight evoked memories of a famous crash involving Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at the 2011 edition of the race. George Russell and Max Verstappen highlighted how closely the recent incident mirrored that earlier, well-known clash.
The ongoing rivalry between Norris and Piastri had been intensifying as the race unfolded, with many anticipating that their streak of clean racing might soon end. Piastri, who started the race in third place, was overtaken by Kimi Antonelli early and spent most of the event trailing the young driver. In contrast, Norris gradually gained ground after starting on hard tires, challenging his teammate and title rival deep into the race.
On lap 67, the tension culminated when Norris attempted to defend his position heading into the first turn. The British driver tried to squeeze into a narrowing inside gap, which led to him clipping the rear tires of Piastri’s car. The collision forced Norris to retire immediately, ending his race prematurely.
In the cooldown room post-race, Russell, Verstappen, and Antonelli watched the incident, with Russell remarking on how the collision echoed the notorious 2011 crash between Hamilton and Button at the same track.
“It was literally like Lewis [Hamilton] and [Jenson] Button in 2011… There was not really a gap there,”
he noted.
While McLaren’s outing in Canada delivered a modest 12 points due to the crash, Mercedes capitalized on the opportunity with Russell and Antonelli securing a double podium finish.
George Russell’s triumph marks a milestone at the Canadian Grand Prix
George Russell celebrated his first victory of the season at the Canadian GP, becoming the fourth different race winner this year. The 27-year-old visibly expressed his happiness after stepping out of the Mercedes W16 car, reflecting on both his personal achievement and the strong result of his teammate.
In an interview with Nico Rosberg, Russell shared his thoughts on the race and the team’s performance:
“It is amazing to be back on the top step. I felt last year was a victory lost, so to get the victory and see Kimi on the podium too is an amazing day for the team. I think the strength of our car is in the cooler conditions so let’s see in the coming races, but let’s enjoy this for now. Good day, good day!”
—George Russell, Mercedes Driver
This win propelled Russell up the drivers‘ championship standings to 136 points, positioning him 19 points behind Max Verstappen, who remains the current leader.
McLaren rivalry intensifies amid competitive tensions
The dynamic between Norris and Piastri continued to draw attention as they battled one another through the North American race. Both drivers showed strong pace, but the collision highlighted the risks of close competition, especially when both are vying for championship positions. Piastri, the Australian, demonstrated speed but was challenged consistently by the younger Norris, who was intent on making up positions from a less advantageous tire strategy.
The crash not only impacted their points haul but also cast a shadow over McLaren’s hopes for a clean, united performance, intensifying the pressure within the team for the remaining races of the season.
Mercedes’ solid performance underscores championship ambitions
While McLaren’s prospects dimmed at the Canadian GP, Mercedes showcased its strength in cooler conditions, achieving a significant double podium that boosts their standing in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Russell’s win, combined with Antonelli’s strong finish, signals Mercedes’ readiness to contend strongly as the season progresses, challenging Verstappen and Red Bull’s dominance.
The race also emphasized the importance of strategic tire choices and clean execution, factors that Mercedes managed effectively while their rivals faltered.