Kimi Antonelli predicts intense fight with George Russell would have continued to the flag

Kimi Antonelli believes his spirited intra-team battle with George Russell at the Canadian Grand Prix would have continued all the way to the chequered flag if not for his teammate's untimely retirement. The 19-year-old took victory after Russell suffered a power unit failure while leading, securing his fourth straight win and opening a 43-point lead in the drivers' standings.

Why it matters:

The Mercedes duo's rivalry has become a central narrative of the 2026 season. Antonelli's dominance and Russell's misfortune are reshaping the championship picture, and the dynamic at Mercedes will be closely watched as both drivers push for supremacy.

The details:

• Antonelli noted that Russell had the initial pace but degraded his tires more. "I think at the end of the stint I had a little bit the upper hand," he told media including RacingNews365.
• He reiterated his post-race radio message, calling it unfortunate: "It would have been a very intense fight all the way until the end." He added: "It would have been interesting to see how it would have ended up, but it's definitely difficult to say."
• The race saw a frenetic opening 29 laps before Russell's W17 failed, with the team considering calling off their battle just prior. Tensions had flared during the sprint race, setting the stage for an intense main event.
• Antonelli's win extends his winning streak to four, putting him firmly in control of the title race after a season of rising form.

What's next:

Russell will look to bounce back at the Spanish Grand Prix, while Antonelli aims to continue his momentum. The reliability of Mercedes' power unit will remain a key topic, and the internal fight promises more drama as the season unfolds.