Russell Secures Victory at Canadian Grand Prix

MONTREAL: George Russell of Great Britain captured his first Formula 1 victory of the season from the pole position. The Canadian Grand Prix saw Red Bull’s Max Verstappen taking second place on Sunday.

Mercedes’ Russell achieved pole position with an impressive late lap, outpacing Verstappen by a narrow 0.16 seconds during Saturday’s qualifying round.

Russell commented on his sixth career pole position, describing it as the most thrilling.

Russell Quote

“It was probably the most exhilarating lap I’ve ever driven, given the commitment required around this circuit,” Russell noted.

Oscar Piastri expanded his lead in the championship, earning 22 additional points after finishing fourth. His McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, was involved in a collision with just three laps remaining, which led to his retirement from the race.

The race stewards have launched an investigation into the collision.

Russell’s Mercedes teammate, 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, achieved a podium finish, taking third place and becoming the third-youngest driver to do so.

Antonelli Quote

“It was incredibly stressful, but I’m very happy. I got a great start, managed to move into P3, and held my position at the front,” Antonelli commented.

This triumph is Russell’s fourth career victory and his first since his success at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2024.

Russell acknowledged his team’s and the factory’s contributions to his success.

Russell Quote

“I want to express my gratitude to the team and the factory for their hard work. We’ll see what unfolds in the upcoming races, but for now, I’m going to savor this victory!” Russell declared.

Piastri currently leads the F1 Championship driver standings with 198 points, followed by Norris in second place with 176 points. Verstappen is third overall with 155 points, and Russell is in fourth place with 136 points. There are still fourteen of the 24 races left in the 2025 season.