Breaking:Russell Clinches First Victory of 2025 in C…read more
Mercedes driver George Russell claimed a hard-fought victory at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, marking his first win of the 2025 Formula 1 season in a tense and closely contested race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Russell, who started from pole position, led confidently throughout the race despite persistent pressure from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The final laps saw a nail-biting battle between the two, with Russell ultimately crossing the line just 0.228 seconds ahead of the reigning world champion.
“I had to push like crazy,” Russell said after the race. “Max was relentless behind me, and I couldn’t afford a single mistake. It feels amazing to finally get the win this season.”
The race also featured a milestone moment for Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli, who claimed his first-ever podium finish in Formula 1, coming home in third after keeping a cool head amidst the midfield chaos.
Red Bull Protest Dismissed
Tensions escalated after the race when Red Bull Racing filed an official protest against Russell, alleging erratic behavior during a safety car period midway through the race. Team principal Christian Horner claimed that Russell “brake-tested” Verstappen while managing tire temperatures.
Following a review by the FIA stewards, the protest was dismissed, with officials stating that while Russell’s actions were aggressive, they remained within the sporting regulations. The stewards found “no evidence of dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct.”
“We race hard, we race fair,” Russell commented after the verdict. “It’s racing. I’m glad the FIA saw it the same way.”
Championship Implications
Russell’s win puts him back in serious contention in the drivers’ standings, as the tightly contested 2025 season continues to unfold. Verstappen’s second-place finish maintains his lead in the championship, but the gap to Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has narrowed significantly.
With the Austrian Grand Prix up next, the battle at the top of the leaderboard shows no signs of easing.
For more post-race analysis, interviews, and technical breakdowns, stay tuned to F1 Weekly.
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