Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Canadian Grand Prix victory as Mercedes teammate George Russell retired due to a power unit issue following a dramatic lead battle between the Silver Arrows.
Antonelli becomes the first driver in F1 history to record his first four wins consecutively and extends his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 43 points.
The two Mercedes engaged in an incredible 31-lap fight for the lead that saw Antonelli and Russell trade positions multiple times at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Antonelli narrowly avoided running into his teammate early in the race, with both drivers making minor contact later, though neither sustained damage in what was one of the most exciting lead battles in recent F1 history.
“We are in for a bit of a classic season as there is nothing between Russell and Antonelli,” said Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle.
Lewis Hamilton overtook Max Verstappen late on to claim second place, marking his best result for Ferrari and showcasing a strong weekend for the seven-time world champion.
Verstappen was satisfied with his first podium of 2026, having made up ground during the opening stint in cold conditions that challenged drivers. Charles Leclerc finished fourth despite a late half-spin, helping Ferrari overtake McLaren into second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Neither McLaren driver scored points as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both started on intermediates, a strategy that proved unsuccessful. Norris later retired due to suspected gearbox failure while attempting to recover, and Piastri was hit with a 10-second time penalty after contact with Williams’ Alex Albon.
Isack Hadjar held onto fifth place despite two penalties for weaving defense against Leclerc and for speeding under yellow flag conditions.
Alpine’s Franco Colapinto recorded a career-best sixth place, while Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson fended off Pierre Gasly to secure seventh. Williams’ Carlos Sainz finished ninth for the third time this season, and Haas’ Oliver Bearman completed the top 10.
Two extra formation laps were required before the race due to British driver Arvid Lindblad’s inability to start following an issue.
George Russell was forced to retire due to a power unit failure
Watch Kimi Antonelli win the Canadian GP as Lewis Hamilton claimed P2
Lando Norris reflects on a Canadian GP where ‘not a lot of things went our way’
Russell and Antonelli went wheel-to-wheel making contact as Antonelli was forced off before giving the place back
Toto Wolff says he ‘half enjoyed’ watching the Mercedes drivers battle in a bittersweet race where one won and the other suffered retirement
Lewis Hamilton moves into second by passing Max Verstappen around the outside at the Canadian GP
Watch Lando Norris snatch the lead in a CHAOTIC Canadian GP race start
Canadian GP Result
Driver
Team
Time
1) Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 1:28:15.758 2) Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +10.768 3) Max Verstappen Red Bull +11.276 4) Charles Leclerc Ferrari +44.151 5) Isack Hadjar Red Bull +1 lap 6) Franco Colapinto Alpine +1 lap 7) Liam Lawson Racing Bulls +1 lap 8) Pierre Gasly Alpine +1 lap 9) Carlos Sainz Williams +1 lap 10) Oliver Bearman Haas +1 lap 11) Oscar Piastri McLaren +2 laps 12) Nico Hulkenberg Audi +2 laps 13) Gabriel Bortoleto Audi +2 laps 14) Esteban Ocon Haas +2 laps 15) Lance Stroll Aston Martin +4 laps 16) Valtteri Bottas Cadillac +4 laps Sergio Perez Cadillac DNF Lando Norris McLaren DNF George Russell Mercedes DNF Fernando Alonso Aston Martin DNF Alex Albon Williams DNF Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls DNS
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