Canadian GP Shake-Up with 70-Place Penalty as FIA confirms

Canadian GP Shake-Up with 70-Place Penalty as FIA confirms Russell and Norris p… read more

The FIA has confirmed the final starting grid for the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, following a chaotic sequence of events after Saturday’s qualifying session. The dramatic reshuffling of the lineup comes as a result of numerous penalties, with a jaw-dropping cumulative total of 70 grid-place drops issued across several drivers and teams. The grid shake-up has left the paddock buzzing and set the stage for a potentially explosive race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

A key point of tension heading into the Canadian Grand Prix stems from the lingering drama of the previous race in Barcelona. There, a controversial incident between Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Mercedes’ George Russell dominated headlines. Verstappen, appearing to act in frustration, made contact with Russell’s car—a move that was met with criticism and scrutiny. While no formal punishment followed at the time, the rivalry between the two drivers has only intensified in the days since.

Fate has added an extra layer of intrigue this weekend, as Verstappen and Russell find themselves once again at the forefront of the action. George Russell has secured pole position for Mercedes, earning the top spot on the grid. Starting just beside him in second place is none other than Max Verstappen. With the tension from their previous clash still fresh, their front-row battle in Montreal promises to be one of the main storylines of the Grand Prix.

While Russell and Verstappen avoided penalties themselves, a number of other drivers weren’t so fortunate. Technical infringements, component changes beyond the allotted limits, and infractions during qualifying contributed to a massive wave of penalties. In total, the FIA handed out enough penalties to amount to a staggering 70-place drop across the grid. These sanctions led to a comprehensive reshuffling of positions, especially affecting the midfield and backmarker teams.

The result is a grid that looks dramatically different from what the raw qualifying times would have suggested. Several drivers who qualified well are now starting deep in the pack, while others have moved up due to the penalties imposed on their rivals. This could open the door for unexpected strategies and surprise performances during Sunday’s race.

With the stage now set, all eyes will be on the front row—and especially on Russell and Verstappen—as the lights go out in Montreal. The combination of unresolved tensions, aggressive racing styles, and a mixed-up grid suggests that the Canadian Grand Prix could be one of the most unpredictable and exciting races of the 2025 season.