Canadian Grand Prix: the editors’ Top/Flop list

George Russell secures his first win of the season.

Impressive in qualifying with a well-executed pole position, George Russell converted the effort on Sunday by brilliantly winning the Canadian Grand Prix. Solid at the start, consistent in his pace, and supported by an effective strategy, the Mercedes driver delivered a flawless race. A late assist from the safety car helped him secure his fourth Formula 1 victory, the first this year. This success confirms his excellent start to the season and fully re-ignites his battle for the title, now with 136 points, 62 behind leader Oscar Piastri.

Kimi Antonelli, bold move pays off for a first F1 podium

Kimi Antonelli demonstrated his determination and composure to secure the very first podium of his young career in Formula 1. Very aggressive at the start, the Mercedes driver didn’t hesitate to challenge Oscar Piastri right from the first corners, taking the lead by the third. Then, thanks to a well-executed strategy, the Italian withstood constant pressure from the McLarens to maintain his third position. Taking advantage of the difficulties faced by the Woking drivers, Kimi Antonelli delivered a solid performance, marking an excellent weekend for Mercedes in Montreal.

Nico Hülkenberg strings together impressive performances

After a remarkable performance in Spain concluded in fifth place, Nico Hülkenberg did it again in Canada. Starting 11th, the German seized opportunities from the start, overtaking notably Franco Colapinto and Alex Albon to quickly rise into the top 10. Solid throughout the race, he defended his position effectively and benefited from Lando Norris’s retirement to finish 8th. Four additional points adding to the ten collected in Barcelona: Nico Hülkenberg confirms his excellent form.

Lando Norris cracks under pressure

Starting from the 7th position, Lando Norris had a good start to his Grand Prix with an alternate strategy on hard tires, allowing him to lead the race twice. Towards the end of the event, he seemed well on his way to securing a podium finish and was closing in on his teammate Oscar Piastri, then in 4th place. But after several laps stuck behind the Australian, the Brit finally attempted a hasty maneuver on the 57th lap. The contact was inevitable: his front wing hit the rear of the McLaren No. 81, forcing his retirement. A severe blow in the title race, accompanied by immediate apologies that do not erase a costly error in judgment. Lando Norris, in search of consistency this season, loses significant points once again and sees the gap widen with Oscar Piastri, now at +22 in the championship.

Ferrari slips in the hierarchy

While a surge was expected from Maranello after recent rumors surrounding the future of Fred Vasseur, the Scuderia disappointed once again. Fifth for Charles Leclerc and sixth for Lewis Hamilton—who drove with a damaged car after hitting a groundhog on the 8th lap—the two Ferrari drivers were never able to compete with McLaren, Red Bull, or Mercedes, who were much more effective. Performances are stagnating, the strategies struggle to convince, and Ferrari seems to be sliding towards the role of the fourth force in the lineup.

Alpine sinks further

The team’s 100th Grand Prix in Formula 1 was far from festive. Once again, the French car severely lacked speed. Pierre Gasly, forced to start from the pit lane after qualifying last, never found his pace. Stuck behind Liam Lawson for much of the race, he finished 15th without ever being able to climb up. Franco Colapinto, despite difficulties, still finished ahead of him. Result: Alpine remains at the bottom of the constructors’ standings with a mere 11 points, now nine points behind Sauber.