Canada winner Russell ‘driving better than ever’

George Russell says he feels like he’s “driving better than ever” after winning his first race of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver, who started on pole, held the lead from Max Verstappen at the start and controlled the race from that point.

It was the Briton’s first victory since Las Vegas in November and fifth podium of the 2025 season.

Red Bull lodged a protest, claiming that Russell drove erratically behind the safety car following Lando Norris’ collision with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, but it was rejected by the stewards.

Russell, 27, also started on pole in Montreal last year but could only finish third.

“It was my mistakes that let the team down but I’m in a different place right now and I feel like I’m driving better than ever. I felt pretty chilled throughout the whole race.”

Russell has been with Mercedes since the 2022 season and is out of his contract come the end of the season.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff suggested it was only a matter of time before a new deal is confirmed.

It was a successful day all round for Mercedes with 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli finishing third for his first podium in Formula 1.

Antonelli – at 18 years and 294 days old – becomes the third-youngest podium finisher of all time behind Verstappen and Lance Stroll.

Starting fourth, he overtook championship leader Piastri at the start and dealt with pressure from the Australian in the closing stages of the race.

“It was so stressful but super happy,” Antonelli said. “The last stint I pushed a bit too hard behind Max and I killed a bit of the front left and I struggled a bit at the end, but I’m really happy to bring the podium home.”

“This track has been good for us and the car has been incredible all weekend. Hopefully we can carry the same momentum into the next few races.”

Russell said Mercedes performed so strongly at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve because a “smooth” track and “low-speed” corners suited the characteristics of the car.

Next on the calendar is Austria from 27-29 June and the Red Bull Ring will be a very different challenge to Montreal.

“It’s going to be on old tarmac, more high-speed corners and it’s going to be hot as well,” Russell said.