Kimi Antonelli Wins 2026 Canadian Grand Prix as Russell Retirement Hands Mercedes Teen Fourth Victory of Season

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured victory at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on May 24, claiming what the team confirmed as his fourth win of the season. The 19-year-old Italian crossed the line ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who finished 10.7 seconds adrift, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen rounded out the podium a further 0.5 seconds back in third.

The result was shaped decisively by the retirement of Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate George Russell, who had been leading the race when his car suffered a total power unit failure on Lap 30. Russell’s exit triggered a Virtual Safety Car period, which handed Antonelli clear air and an uncontested run to the chequered flag.

Prior to Russell’s mechanical failure, the two Silver Arrows teammates had been engaged in an intense wheel-to-wheel battle that mirrored their contest from Saturday’s sprint race. The pair traded positions aggressively through the final chicane, exchanging contact on at least one occasion before the race was effectively decided by circumstance rather than competition.

Earlier in the grand prix, McLaren’s strategic gamble backfired significantly. With rain falling before the start, defending champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were sent out on intermediate tyres while the remainder of the field opted for slick compounds. As the track surface dried quickly, both McLarens were forced into early and costly pit stops that compromised their races entirely. Norris had briefly held the lead following his strong opening but could not sustain the advantage once conditions evolved against his tyre choice.

Behind the podium finishers, Charles Leclerc crossed the line fourth for Ferrari, 44.1 seconds off the race winner. Alpine’s Franco Colapinto delivered a notable performance to claim sixth place, one lap down, alongside Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar in fifth. Liam Lawson, Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, and Ollie Bearman completed the top ten points scorers.

For Hamilton, the Montreal result represents his second podium finish of the 2026 season with Ferrari, the team he joined ahead of the current campaign after his high-profile departure from Mercedes. Verstappen’s third-place finish, meanwhile, was his first podium of the 2026 season — a significant milestone for the three-time world champion, who has faced a more challenging start to the year than in previous campaigns.

Among those who did not finish were Norris, Russell, Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, and Williams driver Alex Albon. Sergio Perez, now driving for Cadillac, also retired from the race. Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls did not start.

Antonelli’s victory continues what has been a remarkable debut season in Formula 1. Having been drafted into the Mercedes seat vacated by Hamilton, the Bologna-born teenager has established himself as a championship contender through the opening rounds of 2026. His fourth win in Canada consolidates his position at the front of the drivers’ standings as the season heads into its European phase.

2026 Canadian Grand Prix — Final Classification:

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +10.7s

3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +11.2s

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +44.1s

5. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +1 lap

6. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +1 lap

7. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1 lap

8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +1 lap

9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) +1 lap

10. Ollie Bearman (Haas) +1 lap

11. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +2 laps

12. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) +2 laps

13. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) +2 laps

14. Esteban Ocon (Haas) +2 laps

15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +4 laps

16. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) +4 laps

DNF: Sergio Perez (Cadillac), Lando Norris (McLaren), George Russell (Mercedes), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Alex Albon (Williams)

DNS: Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)