Canadian Grand Prix talking points: Russell’s best ever, Antonelli’s potential and Hamilton’s road kill

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix delivered a dramatic duel between the McLarens, tense battles throughout the field and a race that ultimately ended under safety car conditions.

The race remains one of the standout events on the Formula One calendar, and Sunday’s race lived up to that billing. Here are the key talking points from a chaotic weekend of racing.

Russell rules in Montreal

From lights out to the chequered flag, it was a commanding performance and arguably one of George Russell’s finest weekends yet – if not his very best.

It all started when the British driver produced a sensational lap to beat Max Verstappen by 0.160 seconds to clinch pole position in a dramatic conclusion to qualifying.

With no love lost between the rivals, a potential showdown on Sunday dominated headlines – especially after Russell cheekily stirred the pot, quipping: “I’ve got a few more points on my licence to play with.”

Verstappen, currently has 11 penalty points on his FIA super licence, and is just one point away from triggering an automatic one-race suspension. His tally rose after being handed three penalty points for a collision with Russell in Barcelona.

However, Russell executed the ideal launch, reacting sharply and left Verstappen trailing. The Dutchman was able to apply some pressure, but his pace eventually dropped off.