In a thrilling showdown at the Canadian Grand Prix, George Russell clinched his first win of the Formula 1 season, fending off a charging Max Verstappen to top the podium in Montreal.
Russell, who started on pole for the second consecutive year at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, led for most of the 70-lap race. The Mercedes driver crossed the line 1.2 seconds ahead of defending champion Verstappen, marking the fourth win of his F1 career.
'It's amazing to be back on the top step,' Russell said. 'Last season felt like a victory lost, so to share the podium with rookie Kimi Antonelli and show our strength in cooler conditions is a huge boost.'
Verstappen, managing tyre wear in his Red Bull, was satisfied with second place. 'We struggled early but hung in there,' he noted. 'This was the maximum today.'
Mercedes rookie Antonelli celebrated his first F1 podium in third, underlining Mercedes' return to form. Team principal Toto Wolff praised both drivers: 'George drove brilliantly and Kimi held firm under pressure. It's been a while since we had two cars on the podium.'
The race drama peaked on lap 67 when McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris clashed in a late duel. Norris, attempting an overtake, ran into Piastri and hit the wall, triggering a safety car. Norris took responsibility and accepted a five-second penalty after the race.
Piastri, who arrived in Montreal leading the drivers' standings, saw his eight-race podium streak end with fourth place. He still extends his championship lead to 22 points over Norris, while Verstappen sits third, 21 points behind.
With four different winners in four races this season, the Canadian GP showcased the tight competition shaping up for the rest of the F1 calendar.
Reference(s):
Russell holds off Verstappen for Canadian GP win as McLarens collide
cgtn.com
