Canadian Grand Prix Winners and Losers: Antonelli Shines, McLaren Falters

Kimi Antonelli left Montreal as the new championship leader after a dramatic Canadian Grand Prix that saw Mercedes assert dominance while McLaren's strategic gamble backfired spectacularly. George Russell's late retirement from the lead with a battery issue overshadowed a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle between the Mercedes duo, shifting the title fight momentum entirely to the young Italian.

Why it matters:

Mercedes has established a clear competitive advantage and is unafraid to let its drivers race, creating an on-track spectacle. Meanwhile, McLaren's championship defense is faltering due to operational errors, and Red Bull's first podium of the year signals a tightening competitive order as the 2026 regulations settle in.

The details:

• Mercedes' intra-team battle: Antonelli matched Russell's pace throughout the first half, proving he is a match for the Briton. Russell's retirement was the only technical failure among the top 10, but Toto Wolff's decision to let them fight freely provided the race's highlight.
• McLaren's strategy disaster: Both McLarens started on intermediate tyres on a dry track. Oscar Piastri admitted they "looked like idiots," while Andrea Stella defended the call based on pre-race track conditions. The error compounded when Piastri hit Albon and Norris suffered a gearbox issue.
• Hamilton's renewed form: Lewis Hamilton enjoyed his most competitive weekend, praising new race engineer Carlo Santi for unlocking better tire performance and car setup.
• Red Bull's progress: Max Verstappen secured his first podium of 2026, aided by Russell's DNF and McLaren's blunders. The Red Bull Powertrains engine continues to be a positive surprise for the squad.
• Midfield movers: Franco Colapinto delivered a stunning P6 for Alpine, outpacing teammate Pierre Gasly. Liam Lawson also capitalized on a tough weekend to score valuable points for RB.

What's next:

With a 43-point lead, Antonelli is firmly in control of the championship, putting the pressure on Russell to mount a comeback. McLaren must resolve its strategic and tire temperature issues quickly, while Red Bull's upward trajectory promises a more competitive fight at the front as the European season continues.