George Russell tops Lando Norris in dramatic Canada Sprint

Field Level Media|published: Sat 23rd May, 17:08 2026

May 23, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; The top three getting their awards from former F1 driver Jean Alessi during Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada sprint race at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. From left to right Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) and McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) and Mercedes driver George Russell (63). Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

In dramatic fashion, George Russell fended off Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli to capture the top spot in the Canadian Sprint on Saturday in Montreal.

Russell defeated McLaren driver Norris by a mere 1.272 seconds. However, the headline was his battle with Mercedes teammate Antonelli.

In Lap 6, the two teammates collided with Antonelli being pushed off the track and veering onto the grass.

"That was very naughty," Antonelli said. "Not fair, he pushed me off."

The two drivers clashed, once again, on Lap 8.

"Concentrate on the racing please and not the radio moaning," chimed in Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.

The 19-year-old Antonelli finished third, trailing Russell by 1.843 seconds. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri captured fourth at +9.797 seconds, while Ferrari team member Charles Leclerc slid into fifth at +9.929 seconds.

Russell was comfortable behind the wheel.

"I was never really concerned to be honest," he said after the win.

"Lots of people with a lot of things to say, but ultimately just wanted to get back racing, and it feels like the season is restarting now with six races in eight weeks. Just looking forward to getting into that groove."

After the race, Antonelli still holds a commanding lead in the Drivers' Standings with 106 points. Russell made up some slight ground in second place at 88 points and holds a significant lead over the third-place Leclerc (63 points).

Norris (58 points) and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (54 points) round out the top five.

--Field Level Media

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