Wolff pleased after Russell's Canada recovery

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised George Russell after the Briton secured Sprint pole at the Canadian Grand Prix, marking a strong recovery from a difficult Miami weekend. Russell edged out teammate Kimi Antonelli by just 0.063 seconds at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, giving the Silver Arrows their best qualifying result of the 2026 season so far.

Why it matters:

• The result signals a potential turning point for Mercedes, who have struggled to consistently challenge at the front. Russell's pole, combined with Antonelli's close second, demonstrates the team's improved pace and the effectiveness of their latest upgrade package.
• Wolff's public confidence in Russell reinforces the team's stability and belief in its driver lineup, crucial as the season progresses and competition tightens with McLaren and Ferrari.

The details:

• Russell's lap was the fastest in Sprint qualifying, with Wolff stating: "It's only the baby race but still it's good to see the pace is there, also for his confidence. I've never doubted." He dismissed Miami as a "bad track" aberration.
• Antonelli's near-miss impressed Wolff: "It's always clear that the kiddo is fast. I think it's good for both of them to fight like this. It makes the team faster."
• Mercedes brought a major update to Canada, including a revised front wing and endplate for improved airflow, plus cooling enhancements. Wolff noted the "enormous workload" and cautiously assessed the car's potential for the main qualifying and race.

What's next:

• Russell and Antonelli will lead the field in Saturday's Sprint, but both McLaren and Ferrari drivers are close behind, starting on the second and third rows respectively.
• The real test will be Sunday's Grand Prix, where Mercedes hopes to convert qualifying pace into a strong race result and challenge for a first win of 2026.