F1 CANADIAN GP: ANTONELLI LANDS F1 2026 BLOW AS RUSSELL RETIRES IN MONTREAL

Kimi Antonelli cruised to victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, dramatically extending his championship lead after Mercedes teammate George Russell retired from the lead with a power unit failure. Russell, who had been locked in an aggressive battle with Antonelli, including a glancing blow, was left furious as a guaranteed win slipped away. Antonelli’s fourth consecutive victory now puts him 43 points clear in the title race.

The race saw McLaren suffer a disastrous afternoon, making an early gamble on intermediates that backfired. Oscar Piastri later collided with Alex Albon, incurring a penalty, while Lando Norris also retired with a suspected gearbox issue. Lewis Hamilton capitalized on the chaos, snatching P2 from Max Verstappen late in the race, with Charles Leclerc taking fourth.

For the American teams, it was a mixed bag. Oliver Bearman secured a crucial point for Haas F1, finishing P10. Cadillac Racing's Sergio Perez suffered a frightening suspension collapse, retiring early. With Antonelli now firmly in control, the championship landscape looks increasingly clear heading into Monaco.