George Russell took an unlikely victory for Mercedes in the Canadian Grand Prix following an impressive lap to earn pole.
The Mercedes driver controlled the race from Max Verstappen to take his first victory since the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, while it was also his fifth podium in 2025.
It is a big contrast to last year when Russell also started from pole, but went on to finish in third place while Verstappen won the race. Teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli also held on to third, after a collision between the two McLaren drivers fighting over fourth place.
The win comes at a time when there is speculation over Russell’s contract, as he has yet to sign one for the 2026 season.
Russell credits ‘Montreal GOAT’ Lewis Hamilton with learning some of the tricks of how to go fast around the track, but has caveated the performance when speaking to the BBC Chequered Flag podcast.
George Russell expects upcoming races to be more difficult for Mercedes
Mercedes felt the high track temperatures would play to their strengths in Montreal, which ended up being a big factor in them keeping Verstappen and the McLarens at bay.
Russell expects their performance in Canada to be a sign that their car will be more tricky at other circuits, given the nature of the Montreal circuit.
“We know this track, it’s like for all the drivers, the tyres were sort of either below the [operating] window or in the perfect window, and they never really went over the top of the window,” said Russell.
“Whereas going to Austria next week, the tyres will be overheating a lot, and we know that’s where we struggle. It was no surprise that we were strong this weekend, so we’ll take the positives.
“But there’s a 24-race season, and we know just because we’re good in Canada probably means we’re not going to be great for several other races.”
Red Bull protest thrown out by FIA stewards
Russell’s win was the subject of a post-race protest by Red Bull, who lodged an inquiry with the stewards after they felt the Mercedes driver was driving erratically during the Safety Car.
The Safety Car came out after a collision between the two McLaren drivers, in which Lando Norris retired on the spot after colliding with Oscar Piastri.
Behind the Safety Car, both Russell and Verstappen appeared to be applying gamesmanship tactics, with Red Bull strongly feeling that the Mercedes driver was trying to earn his rival a penalty knowing that he is close to a race ban.
The stewards felt Russell had not done anything erratic and that his reporting Verstappen for overtaking was factual, rather than having any malicious intent.
