George Russell’s Montreal Sprint Win Adds Eight Points, Inching Closer to Kimi Antonelli’s WDC 18 Point Lead
George Russell delivered a commanding performance to win the Montreal Sprint race after surviving intense pressure from Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli and McLaren’s Lando Norris at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Russell converted pole position into victory, but the race was far from comfortable. Antonelli challenged aggressively throughout the opening stages, with the two Mercedes drivers battling wheel-to-wheel in one of the most exciting moments of the Sprint. Norris remained firmly in contention and capitalized on Antonelli’s late-race mistake to move into second place.
Antonelli ultimately crossed the line third after a frustrating afternoon that included tense radio communications with the Mercedes pit wall. Despite missing out on victory, the young championship leader once again demonstrated impressive pace and racecraft under pressure.
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The Sprint win gives Russell valuable momentum heading into Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix and further tightens the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship battle as Mercedes and McLaren continue to close the gap at the top.
Images courtesy: Mercedes Media ©2026 Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited. All rights reserved.
