On 26 May 2026 in Montreal, Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix after Mercedes team-mate George Russell retired from the lead in the closing stages. The result capped a turbulent race shaped by the new-generation regulations and shifting weather.
Teams split tyre choices between full wets and intermediates at the start, creating early jeopardy as conditions evolved. The initial scramble eventually settled, setting the stage for an intense head-to-head between the two Mercedes drivers at the front.
Russell, who had looked in command across a dominant weekend, controlled the race before disaster struck late on. His retirement from the lead opened the door for Antonelli, who moved through to take the flag and bank his fourth win of the season.
Behind the Mercedes story, Lewis Hamilton surged to second place for Ferrari after a late overtake on Max Verstappen. The Red Bull Racing driver completed the podium, having been a fixture in the top three through the latter phases.
Officially, the top three were Antonelli (Mercedes), Hamilton (Ferrari) and Verstappen (Red Bull Racing). Russell’s late retirement from a position of control was the pivotal twist, underscoring how frequently the 2026 ruleset and mixed conditions have produced unpredictable outcomes.
Attention now turns to how Mercedes manages its intra-team dynamic after Montreal, and whether Russell can quickly rebound. With the 2026 regulations continuing to reward bold strategy calls in changeable weather, expect further volatility as teams refine their packages in the coming rounds.
---
*Originally published on [News Formula One](https://newsformula.one/article/f1-2026-canadian-gp-antonelli-wins-as-russell-retires). Visit for full coverage.*
