10 Hot Takes from the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix

1. George Russell Survives Red Bull Protest to Win in Montreal

George Russell claimed a crucial victory for Mercedes, but the headlines continued long after the chequered flag. Red Bull lodged an official protest, arguing that Russell drove erratically behind the Safety Car and unfairly impacted Max Verstappen’s restart. The stewards ultimately dismissed the protest, siding with Russell and clearing him of any unsportsmanlike conduct.

The win — Russell’s fourth in F1 — marks a turning point for the Mercedes campaign, especially after months of underwhelming performances. Beyond the win, the composure Russell showed under pressure, both during the race and in the hearing, demonstrated a growing maturity that could be pivotal in the second half of the season.

2. Norris vs. Piastri: A Collision That Could Haunt McLaren

Late in the race, McLaren’s two young stars came to blows in a moment that stunned the team and viewers alike. Lando Norris attempted a bold dive into Turn 7 to pass Oscar Piastri, but miscalculated the braking point and clipped his teammate’s car, sending himself out of the race and compromising Piastri’s pace.

Norris immediately took responsibility post-race, calling it “a silly move that hurt the whole team.” While the apology was swift, the ramifications could linger longer. McLaren have built their recent success on cohesion and dual-driver consistency. This misstep shattered that image — and with both drivers in the mix for podiums this year, tensions could rise further.

3. Oscar Piastri Stays Cool Despite Losing a Likely Podium

For Oscar Piastri, the Canadian GP was a race of highs and lows. He qualified well, drove consistently, and looked set for another podium — until Norris’s late lunge ruined those hopes. Despite the contact, Piastri kept his head down, avoided any public outburst, and still brought home a strong P4.

His maturity shone through. He labeled the incident “a shame for the team,” and focused on the positives: his pace, racecraft, and growing points tally. While McLaren will need to address internal dynamics, Piastri has shown he’s ready to lead from the front — both on track and in attitude.

4. Mercedes Beat the Heat — and Everyone Else

Mercedes have spent much of the season battling cooling issues and tyre degradation. But in Montreal, the W15 came alive. Cooler-than-expected track temperatures worked in their favour, and smart setup adjustments ensured they kept tyre performance consistent across stints.

Russell’s win was no fluke — it came from a pole start, maintained through strong pace, and managed well through strategy. More impressive, perhaps, was Kimi Antonelli’s performance in the sister car, showing that the Mercedes package now works across different driving styles and experience levels. With upgrades planned ahead of Silverstone, Mercedes fans have every reason to be optimistic.

5. Kimi Antonelli: A Teenage Podium on F1's Big Stage

Kimi Antonelli’s maiden podium wasn’t just a feel-good story — it was a genuine highlight of the season. At just 18 years old, the Italian prodigy showed composure beyond his years, fending off Leclerc, managing tyre life under pressure, and capitalising on McLaren’s misfortune.

His post-race comments revealed just how much the result meant to him: “That was probably the most stressful race of my life,” he said, grinning from the podium. He became the third-youngest podium finisher in F1 history, and it’s increasingly clear that Mercedes see him as a cornerstone of their future.

6. Groundhog Day for Hamilton — Literally

Lewis Hamilton’s weekend took a surreal turn on lap 12 when he struck a groundhog crossing the track. The impact damaged his car’s floor, leading to reduced downforce and grip issues that plagued the remainder of his race. Despite this, Hamilton clawed his way to P6 — a respectable result under the circumstances.

Post-race, Hamilton was clearly unsettled. He called the collision “deeply upsetting” and expressed concern over the safety of animals at the track. It’s not the first time Canadian wildlife has affected a race — and likely won’t be the last — but it was a sharp reminder that even seven-time world champions can’t plan for everything.

7. Ferrari Continue to Tread Water

On paper, a double top-six finish doesn’t look bad for Ferrari — but the atmosphere in the garage told a different story. Charles Leclerc voiced frustration with the team’s strategic decisions, questioning pit stop timing that allowed Antonelli and Piastri to jump him.

For all their raw speed, Ferrari continue to miss out on key strategic opportunities. While the car is competitive, they often find themselves reacting rather than dictating the race. With other teams tightening the gap, Ferrari’s inability to capitalise on key race moments could prove costly in the constructors' fight.

8. F1’s Most Unusual Penalty: Norris and the “Unsportsmanlike Conduct”

While the crash with Piastri drew attention, it was the stewards’ decision to penalise Norris for “unsportsmanlike conduct” that raised the most eyebrows. The reasoning? After the incident, Norris allegedly delayed returning to the track in a way that impacted other drivers’ races.

It’s rare for F1 stewards to invoke that particular clause, and it added an unusual layer of controversy to an already dramatic weekend. Some commentators suggested it was harsh; others saw it as a warning to drivers about post-incident conduct. Either way, it adds to the growing list of regulatory grey areas being tested in 2025.

9. Strategy and Weather Play a Crucial Role

Sunday’s race was a classic example of how quickly fortunes can change in Formula 1. Forecasted higher temps gave way to a cool and breezy afternoon, upending strategy charts across the grid. Mercedes, with their improved tyre management, took full advantage. Others — particularly Red Bull and Aston Martin — seemed caught off guard.

Track evolution, Safety Car timing, and early pit calls all played a role in reshuffling the pack. It wasn’t just about raw speed — teams that adapted in real time gained places. Canada once again proved that flexible thinking can often beat outright pace.

10. The 2025 Title Picture is Wide Open

Heading into Montreal, it seemed like Verstappen and Piastri were breaking away. But with Russell’s win, Antonelli’s podium, and McLaren’s points blunder, the championship narrative just got a whole lot more interesting.

Russell’s resurgence puts him back in the mix. Piastri, despite the contact, still extends his advantage over Norris. And with Ferrari and Red Bull showing signs of vulnerability, Mercedes’ upward curve could reshape both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings in the second half of the season.

---

Montreal may be remembered not just for what happened, but for what it set in motion.

---

Looking to book a Formula 1 experience in 2026?

Whether you dream of the electric atmosphere in Montreal, the twilight racing of Singapore, or the opulence of Abu Dhabi, Pole Position Experiences offers fully

curated luxury F1 travel packages.

Secure your seat at a Grand Prix in 2026 — now taking bookings.