Russell wins Montreal F1 Sprint after dramatic clash with Antonelli

Starting from pole position, Mercedes driver George Russell won the Montreal F1 Sprint, beating reigning champion Lando Norris and his team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Russell held the lead off the line for the first time in several Sprints this season, yet the calm lasted barely a lap. Antonelli, aggressive from the outset, launched several attacks on his team mate, twice running off the circuit and once being forced onto the grass when the pair banged wheels.

The Italian repeatedly argued over team radio that Russell should be penalised, but the stewards deemed the contact a racing incident.

Despite the pressure, Russell managed his tyres and track position with precision, crossing the line 1.272 seconds ahead of Lando Norris, who once again demonstrated McLaren’s formidable pace. Antonelli, unable to mount a final attack after his off‑track excursions, finished third, just 1.843 seconds behind the winner.

Behind the Mercedes–McLaren fight, Oscar Piastri delivered another clean and efficient Sprint drive, securing fourth place after overtaking Lewis Hamilton in the closing laps. Ferrari’s afternoon worsened when Hamilton later ceded another position to Charles Leclerc, who completed the top five.

Red Bull lacked the pace to challenge the front‑runners, but Max Verstappen still collected sixth place, followed by Arvid Lindblad, who continued his impressive rookie campaign with another points finish in P8.

Further back, Franco Colapinto led the midfield in ninth for Alpine, ahead of Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson, the latter charging from P18 after missing Sprint Qualifying due to technical issues.

Audi endured a difficult race: Gabriel Bortoleto finished 12th, while Nico Hülkenberg dropped to 15th after receiving a 10‑second penalty for running off the track and gaining a lasting advantage. They were split by Esteban Ocon and Sergio Pérez, both unable to threaten the points.

Lance Stroll narrowly made the start after late repairs and finished 16th, ahead of Valtteri Bottas, Ollie Bearman, Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly—all of whom started from the pit lane after various mechanical issues.