George Russell sealed his second win in succession at the Canadian Grand Prix, winning in dominant fashion at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Russell began from pole for the second consecutive year in Montreal. Aside from the very beginning of the race when Charles LeClerc took the lead at the start, he was in control and finished ahead of defending champion Max Verstappen.
Russell’s win is his first of the Formula 1 season and his fourth career victory. He has become the fourth different race winner this year, marking an incredibly competitive season in the sport. Russell’s commanding performance and strategic moves throughout the race gave him the advantage to fend off Verstappen, who took second place.
The Mercedes driver made a strong start and established an early lead, which he defended effectively against pressure from Verstappen and other competitors. It was his calm, controlled racecraft that let him open and extend a comfortable gap to those who chased behind him. Russell’s victory dramatically raises his confidence. It is a significant milestone for Mercedes, as they continue to try and improve their lowly position in the championship order.
As the race neared its finale, nerves were heightened. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri came together on track too, ruining both their races. Norris wrote later that he regretted that fight, admitting,
“I’m sorry. All my bad. All my fault. Stupid from me.” – Lando Norris
That collision proved pivotal as both of their races were turned upside down. It was a brutal end to an otherwise extraordinary night for both drivers before the crash. It was a shame to see as they’d been fighting for points and were eventually left with no alternative but to retire from the race.
As Russell toasted to his long-awaited win, he reflected on how teamwork played a crucial role in his first F1 win. His impressive performance up North solidified his chance as one of the fiercest contenders in the field this year. It underscored his rising legend and magic in the sport of Formula 1.
