Aksel Kryhlmand
Norris attempted a risky overtake on Piastri and slammed into the back of his teammate’s car.
Mercedes return to winning ways and Piastri extends title lead after Norris crash
George Russell delivered Mercedes’ first victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season with a composed and commanding drive at the Canadian Grand Prix, as chaos erupted behind him in the closing stages.
The Briton’s win was shaped by drama three laps from the end when Lando Norris collided with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, dealing a potential blow to the team’s internal harmony and Norris’ title bid.
Russell Redeems 2024 Loss with Perfect Drive
Starting from pole position, Russell controlled the race with calm authority, a stark contrast to last year’s heartbreak at the same venue when he finished third despite starting at the front.
Well done team. That made up for last year,” Russell said over team radio. “It’s amazing to be back on the top step.
The win marks Russell’s first since Las Vegas 2024, and catapults him into fourth in the championship on 136 points, reigniting his hopes of joining the title conversation.
Antonelli Makes History with First F1 Podium
Russell wasn’t the only Mercedes driver to celebrate. 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli claimed third place, earning his first-ever Formula 1 podium and becoming the third-youngest driver in history to achieve the feat.
I was just hoping for the race to finish, to be honest, a visibly emotional Antonelli said post-race, having held off late pressure from Oscar Piastri.
The podium double also pushed Mercedes into second in the constructors’ standings, leapfrogging Ferrari, though still trailing McLaren by 175 points.
McLaren Implosion, Norris Hits Piastri
The day’s defining moment came on lap 67, when Norris attempted a risky overtake on Piastri and slammed into the back of his teammate’s car. Norris was quick to shoulder the blame.
I’m sorry. All my bad. All my fault. Stupid from me, Norris admitted on team radio and later echoed to Sky Sports.
This wasn’t even like a ‘that’s racing’, it was just silly from my part.
The incident ended Norris’ race and saw stewards hand him a five-second penalty, which had no real effect post-retirement.
Piastri, meanwhile, pitted under the safety car and rejoined fourth but had no chance to use his fresher tyres as the race ended under caution.
Despite the disappointment, Piastri extended his lead in the championship to 22 points, now sitting on 198 points ahead of Norris (176), Verstappen (155), and Russell (136).
Verstappen Denied
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen looked poised to mount a late challenge for victory but found himself boxed in behind the safety car after Norris’ crash brought out a yellow flag.
It’s time to shine in turn one,Verstappen had joked before the race. Instead, the Dutchman settled for second, unable to make a move in the neutralised finish.
A post-race protest by Red Bull, specifics of which were not disclosed, was rejected five and a half hours after the chequered flag.
Canadian GP Results – Top 10 Finishers:
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
Other Notes: Hamilton’s Groundhog Incident
Lewis Hamilton finished sixth, nursing a damaged car after striking a groundhog early in the race, an event Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur said cost up to 20 points of downforce. Hamilton, a committed vegan, said he was “devastated” by the incident.
Championship Standings (After 10 of 24 Races)
Drivers’ Championship:
- Oscar Piastri – 198 pts
- Lando Norris – 176 pts
- Max Verstappen – 155 pts
- George Russell – 136 pts
Constructors’ Championship:
- McLaren – 389 pts
- Mercedes – 214 pts
- Ferrari – 207 pts
- Red Bull – 202 pts
