Russell Claims Victory at Canadian Grand Prix
Montreal, Canada — George Russell secured his first victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Canadian Grand Prix, overcoming Max Verstappen in an expertly strategized race. Starting from pole, Russell maintained his lead early on and delivered a controlled performance, managing his pace effectively to fend off challenges from the Red Bull driver.
The two-stop strategy played out as anticipated, with Russell timing his pit stops perfectly. He executed his final stop on lap 43 of 70, creating enough of a gap to ensure Verstappen remained at bay in the closing laps. "I had everything under control today," Russell stated post-race, highlighting his confidence throughout the event.
Verstappen settled for second place after a competitive opening phase but could not regain the lead despite an earlier pit stop. His teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli showcased impressive form, finishing third and marking his first podium in F1. Antonelli’s notable move included overtaking Verstappen as he entered the pits, although he later defended against Oscar Piastri, who finished fourth following a tough race for McLaren.
Lando Norris, who was racing strongly, collided with Piastri on lap 66 after a series of intense battles for positions, resulting in his retirement due to suspension damage. Norris admitted his fault over team radio, saying, "It was all on me," lamenting the lost championship points.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also faced challenges, ultimately finishing fifth after his team deviated from a potentially effective one-stop strategy. Lewis Hamilton struggled with a lack of pace, concluding the race in sixth after reportedly sustaining damage from a collision with a groundhog.
Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the points finishers in seventh and eighth, respectively, contributing to a notable midfield battle. Esteban Ocon in ninth and Carlos Sainz in tenth completed the top ten, with Sainz recovering from a disappointing qualifying position.
In the drivers’ standings, Piastri extends his lead to 22 points over Norris as the series heads to the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on June 29.
Final Classification: 2025 Canadian Grand Prix
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
