Russell Wins in Canada as Norris & Piastri Collide in Costly McLaren Clash

Russell Takes Canadian GP Win as Norris-Piastri Clash Shakes Title Race

George Russell claimed Mercedes’ first win of the 2025 F1 season at the Canadian Grand Prix, as title-chasing McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided in dramatic fashion with just four laps remaining.

Russell led a near-flawless race from pole to chequered flag, holding off Max Verstappen and Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who earned his first career podium in third place.

But it was the crash between McLaren’s title contenders that may prove the most pivotal moment of the championship so far.

Norris Takes Blame for Costly Clash

Russell celebrates his first grand prix victory since Las Vegas in November

Running fourth and fifth in the closing laps, Norris made a late DRS-aided attempt to re-pass Piastri after briefly getting ahead into the hairpin. But while setting up a move down the main straight, Norris misjudged his distance and slammed into the back of Piastri’s car.

The Briton immediately retired with broken suspension, while Piastri carried on to finish fourth under the safety car.

“It’s all my bad, all my fault. Unlucky, sorry. Stupid from me,” Norris admitted over team radio.

The incident mirrors the infamous Hamilton-Button contact at the same venue in 2011, but this time, the fault was clear — Norris miscalculated and effectively handed his team-mate a 22-point lead in the championship.

Red Bull Protests Russell’s Safety Car Conduct

Red Bull filed a formal protest after the race regarding Russell’s driving under the safety car, though details remain pending.

Russell, meanwhile, was jubilant, converting Saturday’s pole into victory with mature race management.

“It feels amazing. After last year’s heartbreak here, this is redemption,” he said.

Verstappen, finishing second, never seriously threatened for the win, but gained valuable points in the title race.

Antonelli Makes History with First F1 Podium

Kimi Antonelli, just 18 years old, continues to impress. He executed a bold move on Piastri early in the race and held firm under intense pressure.

“To stand on the podium in only my sixth F1 race is beyond words,” said the Italian rookie.

Ferrari & Hamilton Falter

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Leclerc was frustrated with Ferrari’s pit strategy, while Hamilton suffered floor damage after hitting a groundhog early in the race.

Final Top 10 Results

1. George Russell (Mercedes)

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

3. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

8. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)

9. Esteban Ocon (Haas)

10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)

Championship Standings (Top 3):

• Oscar Piastri – 196 pts

• Max Verstappen – 175 pts

• Lando Norris – 174 pts

Next Up: Austrian Grand Prix – June 30

The season heads back to Europe for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, where Russell won last year after a collision between Norris and Verstappen. Will history repeat?