Photo by katatonia82 - Depositphotos

George Russell delivered a commanding performance to secure his first Formula 1 victory since March, taking the chequered flag in the sprint race at the Canadian Grand Prix 2026. The Mercedes team leader was forced to fight hard for the win, surviving relentless pressure from teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli in a tense intra-team battle.

The young Italian pushed aggressively throughout the race and twice ran beyond track limits while trying to challenge Russell for the lead. Those costly moments allowed Lando Norris in the McLaren to capitalise, with the Briton overtaking Antonelli and securing second place before the finish.

Antonelli eventually crossed the line in third, completing a double podium for Mercedes, while championship contender Oscar Piastri finished fourth for McLaren.

Both Ferrari drivers followed closely behind, with Charles Leclerc taking fifth ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen endured a difficult sprint and could only manage seventh place for Red Bull Racing.

One of the standout stories came from rising talent Arvid Lindblad, who claimed the final points-paying position for Racing Bulls after another impressive display from the highly rated youngster.

The focus now shifts to the main qualifying session at the Canadian Grand Prix, scheduled for later this evening, while Sunday’s headline race is set to begin on May 24 at 23:00 Kyiv time.

Canadian Grand Prix 2026 – Sprint Race Top 10

1. George Russell (Mercedes) – 23 laps
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) +1.272
3. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +1.843
4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +9.797
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +9.929
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +10.545
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) +15.935
8. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) +29.710
9. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +31.621
10. Carlos Sainz (Williams) +36.793