Canadian Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli takes control of title battle

The Canadian Grand Prix was this year’s race where the Formula 1 title fight finally came to life.

But it was also the race that saw a potentially decisive comeback that dealt a major blow to George Russell’s hopes of beating 19-year-old Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli for the title.

Russell’s retirement from the race followed a frenzied 30-lap battle that lit up Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on a damp and dreary day, prompting world champion McLaren to make the seemingly inexplicable decision to start the race on wet tyres, on a dry track.

Russell’s retirement handed the victory to Antonelli, who took his fourth consecutive win, and the Italian now has a massive 43-point lead.

There will undoubtedly be many surprises and turns in the remaining 17 races. Even so, it will take some time to heal.

Afterwards, Russell was patient but understandably depressed.

“He’s the one to lose right now,” he said. “He’s ahead by a lot of points. When I look at the safety car timing in Japan, China’s lack of success in Q3, fighting for pole position and breaking away from the lead here today, it feels like the gods don’t want me in this fight.”

“But you know, the pressure is off. Go out, enjoy every race. Try to win every race. And I’ve got nothing to lose.”

“I don’t want to stand here talking like that. Of course it’s annoying, but I want to be in that fight. I hope luck turns.”