Russell Claims First 2025 Grand Prix Victory at Canadian GP
George Russell achieved his inaugural Grand Prix win of 2025, marking a significant milestone for both himself and Mercedes by triumphing at the Canadian GP.
Impressive Pole Position Sets the Stage
The foundation for his success was laid with a thrilling sixth career pole position, which Russell described as “possibly the most exhilarating lap I’ve ever completed, given the need for total commitment around this circuit.”
Overcoming Verstappen’s Challenge
The 27-year-old successfully navigated the threat from four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, who had previously collided with him in Spain, resulting in three penalty points on his license. After securing pole in Montreal, Russell humorously noted he had some room for aggressive maneuvers at the start, but ultimately did not need to push it hard as he made a strong getaway.
Redemption and Strong Performance
“We knew we had the potential to win here and seeing it come to fruition is fantastic,” Russell shared. He mentioned a sense of redemption after last year’s missed opportunity and noted that he felt in top form throughout the race.
Young Driver Steps Up
Completing the podium was 18-year-old Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who became the third youngest driver to secure a podium finish in F1. His performance allowed him to outpace the previously dominant McLaren duo.
Collision Between McLaren Drivers
The McLaren team principal, Zak Brown, had anticipated potential on-track clashes between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This indeed occurred with just three laps remaining, as Norris collided with Piastri while attempting to overtake for fourth place.
Impact on Championship Standings
The incident catalyzed a safety car deployment, and no further racing could resume. The collision hindered Norris’s championship aspirations, widening the points gap as Piastri solidified his lead after finishing fourth. Meanwhile, Russell’s win elevated him to fourth in the standings, within striking distance of Verstappen, while Mercedes celebrated the absence of tyre issues despite the high track temperatures.
