Russell Rules Montreal as Norris-Piastri Clash Sparks Late Drama

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix delivered everything Formula 1 fans could hope for: strategy gambles, wheel-to-wheel battles, heartbreak, and a Mercedes resurgence. In a race filled with tension, George Russell seized a hard-fought victory for Mercedes, capitalizing on a dramatic collision between the two McLarens late in the race.

Russell’s Perfect Start

From the moment the lights went out at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Russell controlled proceedings. After snatching pole position in Saturday’s qualifying, the Briton made a clean getaway ahead of Max Verstappen, who slotted into second, with Mercedes’ rookie sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli jumping Oscar Piastri for third at Turn 3.

The opening laps saw a tense game of cat-and-mouse between Russell and Verstappen, with the Red Bull driver initially staying within DRS range before tire wear forced him to drop back. Behind them, the strategic battle was already unfolding as teams debated whether one or two stops would prevail on a track notorious for chewing up tires.

Strategy Games Begin

Red Bull blinked first, pitting Verstappen on Lap 13 for a fresh set of hard tires, prompting Mercedes to quickly cover by bringing Russell in one lap later. This shuffled the order temporarily, with Antonelli, Piastri, Norris, and Leclerc cycling through the lead as they delayed their stops, each gambling on different strategies.

Notably, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc questioned his team’s decision to pit him earlier than expected for hard tires, suggesting “Plan C” may have been a better option as tire performance ebbed and flowed throughout the stint.

Mercedes, Verstappen and McLaren Jockey for Position

By mid-race, Russell re-established his lead, with Verstappen, Antonelli, and the McLaren duo of Piastri and Norris in hot pursuit. The top five were separated by mere seconds, setting up a thrilling finale. Verstappen pitted again on Lap 38 for another set of hards, prompting Antonelli and then Russell to react with their second stops shortly after.

As the laps ticked down, Piastri and Norris found themselves embroiled in an intra-team battle for third. Norris briefly overtook Piastri into the hairpin, but Piastri fought back into Turn 13, and the two swapped positions multiple times.

The McLaren Collision

The high-stakes duel culminated in heartbreak for Norris on Lap 67. Attempting another move, Norris misjudged his braking point, tapping the rear of Piastri’s car. The contact sent Norris into the wall and out of the race, forcing a late Safety Car deployment. Norris immediately took responsibility over team radio, saying, “All my fault.”

Piastri, miraculously undamaged, pitted under the Safety Car and rejoined in fourth.

Russell Seals the Win Behind Safety Car

The race ultimately finished behind the Safety Car, denying fans a final sprint to the flag. Russell took the chequered flag for his fourth career victory and Mercedes’ first of the 2025 season. Verstappen had to settle for second, while Antonelli celebrated his maiden Formula 1 podium with an impressive third-place finish, completing a Mercedes double-podium.

Piastri’s fourth-place finish allowed him to maintain his championship lead, while Leclerc salvaged fifth for Ferrari after a puzzling strategy call. Lewis Hamilton followed in sixth, unable to challenge for the podium after losing time in traffic earlier.

Fernando Alonso continued his consistent form with seventh for Aston Martin, ahead of Nico Hülkenberg in eighth, who delivered more valuable points for Kick Sauber. Esteban Ocon marked Haas’ 200th Grand Prix with ninth, while Carlos Sainz secured the final point for Williams.

Final Race Results – 2025 Canadian Grand Prix