George Russell secured Mercedes’ inaugural victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Canadian Grand Prix, held in Montreal. The race was marked by intense competition and a significant clash between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the closing laps, which played a crucial role in the final standings and championship dynamics.
Details of the Race and Podium Finishers
Russell successfully defended his lead against Max Verstappen throughout the race, displaying consistent pace and strategic prowess. Kimi Antonelli, also driving for Mercedes, earned his first Formula 1 podium by finishing third, demonstrating a strong performance for the team. Meanwhile, the battle for fourth place took an unexpected turn when Piastri and Norris collided with four laps remaining, forcing Norris to retire.
The incident between the McLaren teammates significantly affected their race outcomes, with Piastri continuing to finish fourth, bolstering his position in the drivers’ championship. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the top six, both driving for Ferrari, although Hamilton battled damage sustained early in the race. Fernando Alonso, representing Aston Martin, achieved his best result of the season in seventh place, ahead of Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, and Carlos Sainz, who completed the top ten.
Close Look at the Conflict Between Piastri and Norris
Lando Norris started the race from seventh on the grid, following a subpar qualifying session. Opting for an alternative strategy, Norris began on hard tires, diverging from the medium compounds chosen by the frontrunners. This decision allowed Norris to lead for brief periods when other key contenders, including Russell, Verstappen, and Piastri, pitted.
In the final 20 laps, Oscar Piastri faced challenges navigating traffic while attempting to overtake Antonelli for a podium spot but lacked the momentum to complete the move. As Norris began closing the gap, he made an aggressive attempt to pass Piastri at the Turn 10 hairpin on lap 66, leading to a high-speed side-by-side duel on the back straight exceeding 200 mph.
Despite initially gaining the inside line for the last chicane, Piastri’s suboptimal exit created an opportunity for Norris to seek a gap approaching Turn 1. The maneuver resulted in contact, causing Norris to lose his front wing and retire from the race, while Piastri continued unhindered. Norris later acknowledged responsibility for the incident and issued an apology.
“No one to blame but myself, so I apologise to the whole team and to Oscar as well for attempting something probably a bit too silly,”
— Lando Norris, F1 Driver
“Glad I didn’t ruin in his race. In the end apologies to the team.”
— Lando Norris, F1 Driver
Russell’s Dominant Performance Over Verstappen
The forefront battle featured Russell and reigning world champion Max Verstappen, reigniting their rivalry from a prior clash at the Spanish Grand Prix. A poor start from Verstappen allowed Russell to maintain the lead from the opening lap with relative ease. Although Verstappen applied early pressure, his pace diminished during the first stint, enabling Russell to pull away.
Kimi Antonelli closed in on Verstappen’s position before Red Bull called Verstappen in for an early pit stop on lap 12, triggering the cycle of pit stops. Mercedes strategically countered, ensuring Russell retained track position during subsequent stops. This effective defensive tactic limited Verstappen’s chances of mounting a serious challenge for the victory.
“It’s amazing to be back on the top step,”
— George Russell, F1 Driver
“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.”
— George Russell, F1 Driver
“Amazing day for the team. Thanks to everyone back at the factory for working to get us back fighting for victories. it feels good.”
— George Russell, F1 Driver
Additional Race Highlights and Challenges
Charles Leclerc also attempted a one-stop strategy by starting the race on hard tires, hoping to emulate Norris’ approach. However, he ultimately followed the leaders’ pit stop pattern and secured fifth place. Lewis Hamilton, despite sustaining damage from a collision with a groundhog early on lap 13, persevered to finish sixth, though the damage cost him significant pace.
Other notable events included Lance Stroll receiving a penalty for forcing Pierre Gasly off the track at the final chicane. Williams driver Alex Albon retired due to an engine failure after expressing frustration over race strategy while running in the top ten. Liam Lawson also exited the race prematurely.
Official Order of the Canadian Grand Prix Top Ten
The race concluded with the following top ten finishers:
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
- Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
- Esteban Ocon, Haas
- Carlos Sainz, Williams
Championship Implications and Upcoming Races
With this result, Oscar Piastri has extended his lead in the championship standings, holding a 22-point advantage over teammate Lando Norris and a 43-point lead over Verstappen. The internal McLaren rivalry will likely intensify as both drivers contend for the title moving forward.
The Formula 1 calendar shifts back to Europe next, with the Austrian Grand Prix scheduled for June 27-29. This event promises to build on the momentum generated by the Canadian race, as teams adapt and strategize for the remainder of the 2025 season.