F1 2026 Canadian GP

Chaos in Montreal: Antonelli Conquers Canada as Mercedes Drama Explodes

The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix at the legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve delivered everything Formula 1 fans crave — wheel-to-wheel battles, teammate tension, crashes, retirements, and a championship fight that just became even more intense.

2026 Canadian Grand Prix Turn 6 and 7

A Historic Stop on the Formula 1 Calendar

The Canadian Grand Prix has been part of Formula 1 since 1967 and remains one of the most beloved races on the calendar. Since 1978, the event has largely been held at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, a fast, unforgiving semi-street circuit famous for brutal braking zones, unpredictable weather, and the notorious “Wall of Champions.” (Wikipedia)

Canadian Grand Prix Winners — Last 5 Years

Year	Winner
2026	Kimi Antonelli
2025	George Russell
2024	Max Verstappen
2023	Max Verstappen
2022	Max Verstappen

Russell Takes Pole — But Sunday Belonged to Antonelli

Disappointed Russell approaches Lando

Saturday qualifying saw George Russell snatch pole position in dramatic fashion for Mercedes with a stunning final lap of 1:12.578, edging teammate Kimi Antonelli by just 0.068 seconds. Lando Norris lined up third after another strong McLaren performance. (SB Nation)

But the race itself turned into pure Montreal madness.

At lights out, Norris exploded off the line and immediately attacked the Mercedes pair into Turn 1. Antonelli briefly grabbed the lead before Russell fought back aggressively several laps later, nearly causing contact between the two Silver Arrows in a tense intra-team duel. (Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website)

Then came the chaos.

Russell’s race unraveled with a late retirement while fighting for victory, handing Antonelli control of the Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri received a penalty after tangling with Alex Albon, eliminating the Williams driver from contention. Fernando Alonso retired with mechanical trouble, while Sergio Perez suffered suspension failure. Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad never even made the start after a clutch issue on the grid. (Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website)

The weekend was already packed with drama before Sunday. In practice, Albon famously struck a groundhog, destroying his Williams and forcing major repairs ahead of sprint qualifying. (Reuters)

4 Wins In a Row For Antonelli

2026 Canadian Grand Prix Podium

1. Kimi Antonelli — Mercedes

2. Lewis Hamilton — Ferrari

3. Max Verstappen — Red Bull

   
   

Antonelli’s victory marked his fourth consecutive win and further cemented the teenage sensation as the driver to beat in 2026. (Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website)

Championship Picture After Canada

Drivers’ Championship (Top 5)

1. Kimi Antonelli — 131 pts

2. George Russell — 88 pts

3. Charles Leclerc — 75 pts

4. Lewis Hamilton — 72 pts

5. Lando Norris — 58 pts

Constructors’ Championship (Top 5)

1. Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team — 219 pts

2. Scuderia Ferrari — 147 pts

3. McLaren Racing — 106 pts

4. Red Bull Racing — 57 pts

5. BWT Alpine F1 Team — 35 pts (Sky Sports)

If Canada proved anything, it’s that the Mercedes civil war may define the 2026 season. Russell has the speed. Antonelli has the momentum. And with Ferrari and McLaren still lurking close behind, Formula 1’s title fight is only getting started.