FIA confirms Canadian Disqualification as McLaren Due c… read more
The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix brought unexpected drama and significant consequences for the Formula 1 championship battle, as Mercedes’ George Russell clinched a narrow yet impressive victory in Montreal. On a track bathed in sunshine and brimming with anticipation, Russell held off a fierce challenge from reigning champion Max Verstappen to take his first win of the season. Despite relentless pressure from the Red Bull driver throughout the 70-lap contest, Russell maintained composure and displayed remarkable control, ultimately crossing the finish line just 0.228 seconds ahead of Verstappen.
Russell’s victory marked a significant milestone for both himself and the Mercedes team, signaling their return to competitive form after a difficult start to the season. His performance was further complemented by an outstanding drive from his rookie teammate, Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian talent secured a well-earned third place, completing the podium and delivering an important double-points finish for the Silver Arrows.
But while Mercedes celebrated their strongest weekend of the year so far, it was the chaotic ending to McLaren’s race that dominated post-race headlines. In the closing laps, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri found themselves locked in a heated on-track duel for fourth place. The tension boiled over when Norris made an aggressive move to pass Piastri, resulting in contact between the two papaya cars. Norris’s front wing clipped the rear of Piastri’s McLaren, causing Norris to lose control and crash into the barriers.
The incident ended Norris’s race instantly and prompted an immediate response over the team radio. In a rare display of accountability, Norris admitted fault for the clash, accepting full responsibility for the misjudged maneuver. Piastri managed to continue without major damage and finished in fourth, but the mood in the McLaren garage was far from celebratory. Team personnel were seen visibly frustrated, as the unnecessary clash cost the team a valuable double-points finish and raised concerns about internal dynamics moving forward.
The aftermath of the crash had broader implications beyond McLaren’s own disappointment. With both Norris and Piastri having been in the fight for crucial championship points, the incident has dealt a significant blow to Norris’s title aspirations. His retirement from the race sees him fall further behind Verstappen, Russell, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ standings. For Piastri, while he salvaged points, the damage from the intra-team collision could extend beyond just this race, potentially straining the relationship between the two teammates.
FIA officials reviewed the incident shortly after the race and confirmed Norris’s disqualification from the final classification due to the collision. While the penalty aligns with Norris’s own admission of guilt, it underscores how costly a split-second misjudgment can be in a sport defined by precision and discipline.
Ultimately, the Canadian Grand Prix delivered a captivating mix of triumph and turmoil. Russell’s long-awaited victory, Antonelli’s breakthrough podium, and the McLaren implosion ensured that the 2025 title fight remains as unpredictable as ever.
