Returning to the grid after a three-week hiatus, it was once again the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One (F1) team headlining the checkered flag as Kimi Antonelli won Monday’s Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Despite finishing qualifying with a lap time of 1:12.646, only milliseconds away from stealing the pole position from teammate George Russell, Antonelli stayed in front to seal his fourth straight victory this season.
“It was very close, it was a shame for him to have the failure because it would’ve been a very cool battle, but we’ll take it, another win, massive thanks to the team,” Antonelli said post-race.
George Russell Retires But Mercedes Continues Dominant Stretch
Five races into the season, no other team than Mercedes has yet to finish a Grand Prix on top, as Antonelli and Russell remain the only race winners in 2026.
Despite Russell chalking up a pole start with a qualifying time of 1:12.578, the British driver later collapsed in the 30th lap after a power unit issue, ultimately forcing a DNF.
After a virtual safety car was deployed, the 19-year-old Antonelli never looked back, crossing the finish line with a comfortable 10.7-second margin to stay on top of the driver’s championship.
Lewis Hamilton Finishes Second, Max Verstappen Notches First Podium in 2026
Racing legend Lewis Hamilton continued to defy father time in his second season with Ferrari, as the 41-year-old chalked up an impressive second-place finish despite starting fourth on the grid.
Meanwhile, Red Bull star Max Verstappen also notched his first podium finish of the season, trailing Hamilton in the final laps to finish in third place.
Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc added more points to Ferrari after finishing in fourth, while sophomore Isack Hadjar had his highest finish this season at fifth.
The grid returns to action at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, June 7.
