George Russell wins Canadian Grand Prix as McLarens collide

MONTREAL – George Russell celebrated Mercedes’ first win of the Formula One season in Canada on June 15, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri went 22 points clear in the championship after teammate Lando Norris smashed into him and retired.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who had hoped to win for a record fourth year in a row at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, had to settle for second after a challenge fizzled out behind the safety car.

Russell’s 18-year-old rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli finished third for his maiden F1 podium and the first by an Italian since 2009.

Piastri was fourth, with the safety car leading the final lap before peeling off to clear the way for Russell to take the chequered flag.

“Well done team. That made up for last year,” said Russell, who also started on pole in 2024 but finished third. His last win before June 15 was in Las Vegas in November.

“It’s amazing to be back on the top step. I felt last year was a victory lost and probably got the victory today due to the incredible pole lap yesterday.”

Piastri now has 198 points, ahead of Norris on 176, Verstappen on 155 and Russell on 136.

In the constructors’ standings, Mercedes (199) moved up to second, ahead of Ferrari (183) and behind McLaren (374).

An uneventful afternoon erupted in headline drama when Norris hit the rear of Piastri’s car three laps from the end – a clash long predicted in the title battle between the pair – while trying to overtake.

The Briton, whose broken car stopped by the side of the track, was quick to blame himself when it all went wrong after they had earlier gone side by side.

“I’m sorry. All my bad. All my fault. Stupid from me,” Norris said over the