George Russell Claims Canadian GP Victory as McLaren Implodes and Red Bull Protest Fizzles Out

George Russell delivered a sensational drive in Montreal to win the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, securing his first victory of the season and giving Mercedes their first major boost in months. Starting from pole, Russell showed calm under pressure, fending off Max Verstappen to lead from lights to flag. It was a moment of redemption for the British driver, who had struggled for consistency earlier in the year.

🗣️ George Russell: “Pole and the win—this was one of the most exhilarating laps of my life.”

Behind him, all eyes were on McLaren—though not for the right reasons. Teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were involved in a shocking collision midway through the race. Norris, attempting an aggressive move down the straight, clipped Piastri and crashed out. The incident drew criticism from fans and former drivers, with many questioning Norris’ decision-making in such a crucial moment. Piastri escaped unscathed and finished fourth, but the internal dynamics at McLaren may now be under strain.

🗣️ Lando Norris: “I tried too hard.”

Despite the crash, McLaren still leads the Constructors’ Championship with a sizable margin, but the harmony between their two drivers may be tested in the coming weeks. Piastri remains consistent at the front and now holds a 22-point lead in the Drivers’ standings. Norris, still second overall, will need to reset quickly to stay in the title hunt.

Adding to the post-race drama, Red Bull filed an official protest against Mercedes, accusing Russell of unsafe driving during the safety car period. The claim suggested that Russell slowed down inconsistently to force Verstappen into a potential penalty. After a detailed review, the FIA dismissed the complaint, confirming that no rules were broken.

🗣️ Max Verstappen: “They expected gamesmanship—but nothing came of it.”

Verstappen finished second and continues to remain within striking distance of the championship leaders. Though Red Bull didn’t get the ruling they hoped for, Verstappen’s performance showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with, even when not starting from the front.

The race also delivered a breakthrough moment for Mercedes’ young star, Kimi Antonelli, who secured his first career podium with a confident third-place finish. The 18-year-old Italian has shown flashes of brilliance, and this result is likely just the beginning of what promises to be a standout rookie campaign.

🗣️ Kimi Antonelli: “To be on the podium with George—it’s a dream weekend for me and the team.”

Here’s how the Drivers’ Championship looks after the Canadian GP:

Position	Driver	Team	Points
1	Oscar Piastri	McLaren	198
2	Lando Norris	McLaren	176
3	Max Verstappen	Red Bull	155
4	George Russell	Mercedes	136
5	Charles Leclerc	Ferrari	104

Mercedes’ strong result in Canada proves they’re still in the mix. Russell’s win and Antonelli’s rise add fresh energy to a team that many had written off just months ago. Red Bull remains consistently quick, but their recent reactions show signs of pressure mounting. As for McLaren, their dominance could be short-lived if they can’t keep their drivers focused on the bigger picture.

With the Austrian Grand Prix up next, set for June 27–29, all eyes will be on how McLaren handles the tension, whether Mercedes can carry this momentum forward, and how Red Bull responds after a challenging weekend both on and off the track.