Mercedes’ George Russell finished P1 at the F1 2026 Canada Sprint Race. He ended his day ahead of teammate and championship rival, Kimi Antonelli, in P3.
The Brit had qualified on pole position the day before at the Sprint Qualifying. Antonelli started second. Both Mercedes’ managed to hold their positions at lights out. Yet, quickly after the first few laps, the young Italian tried and failed to overtake Russell.
Both cars touched in turn 1, as Antonelli went off to the grass. The current championship leader retried the attack, but locked up and allowed Norris to go through to P2. Russell benefited as the fight moved over between McLaren and Antonelli.
“Glad we both are standing here after a race,” Russell on battle with Antonelli at 2026 Canada Sprint Race
During the post race podium interviews, George Russell reflected on the F1 2026 Canada Sprint Race. “Yeah, it was a cool race. I was just talking with Lando, it was very difficult to get a gap around here. It was quite easy to follow. The slipstream was quite powerful in terms of speed load.”
In regards to the near misses with his teammate Kimi Antonelli throughout the race, the Brit maintained his calm composure. Russell concluded: “And then, yeah, it was a good battle with Kimi and, you know, glad we both are standing here after a race.”
Russell on his championship chances: “I was never really concerned”
While Russell won in Australia, Antonelli beat him the next few weekends, stealing the championship lead. Russell finished P2 in China and P4 in Japan and Miami.
As it stands, Antonelli stays P1 in the drivers’ championship with 106 points. Russell remains in P2, with 88 points.
When asked about how he felt about the win after some difficult results in previous races, Russell noted: “I was never really concerned to be honest.”
He explained: “It was just that I know Miami’s a bit of a bogey track for me. And of course, there’s been this huge break in the calendar.”
“So lots of people with a lot of things to say, but ultimately just wanted to get back racing,” Russell summed up. “And It kind of feels like the season’s gonna restart now with I think six races in eight weeks. So just looking forward to get back in that groove.”
“Great to be back in Montreal and amazing fans as always. So thank you so much, I appreciate that. Looking forward to this afternoon,” he concluded ahead of the main Qualifying later on Saturday.
