Kimi Antonelli wins fourth GP in a row after thrilling Silver Arrow skirmish in Canada
Kimi Antonelli survived a Mercedes skirmish to win a fourth successive victory in Canada, in a podium that featured Lewis Hamilton and the return of Max Verstappen.
Antonelli fought valiantly with teammate George Russell for the first third of the race, with both drivers not giving the other an inch to breath. Late breaking, dives to the runoff areas and thrilling driving kept Montreal on its toes before Russell heartbreakingly retired on Lap 30 with an engine issue.
From there, Antonelli pulled a 10 second advantage to Hamilton by the chequered flag and extended his Championship lead to 43 points, what was destined to be drastically smaller after Russell’s sublime weekend to that point.
Meanwhile Hamilton and Verstappen rolled back the years in the final stint as the pair enjoyed a fierce battle before the seven-time champion got the better of his rival in the closing laps.
Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc concluded a disappointing weekend in fourth while the sister Red Bull car, Isack Hadjar, finished in fifth despite a penalty for a dangerous defensive move against Leclerc on the back straight.
Franco Colapinto extended his good form for Alpine in sixth while RB’s Liam Lawson followed him home in seventh.
Eight went to the other Alpine of Pierre Gasly who finished ahead of Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Haas’ Ollie Bearman, the last of the points finishers.
Oscar Piastri finished in 11th after a dreadful outing for McLaren as both drivers started the race on intermediate tyres despite the track being virtually dry after a shower in the afternoon. Piastri was the first of the wet-tyre starters to give the call to swap to dry tyres but collided with Alex Albon while making his way through the field, for which he was awarded a penalty.
The two Audi’s of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto finished in 12th and 13th respectively, while Haas’ Esteban Ocon finished behind them for P14.
Lance Stroll finished 15th for Aston Martin while Cadillac’s Valterri Bottas finished behind him to round out the race finishers.
Lando Norris briefly led the race following an optimistic qualifying for the Papaya outfit before wrong tyre choice. The reigning World Champion eventually retired with a gearbox issue, despite progressing back through the field well.
Fernando Alonso retired his Aston Martin with a suspected seat issue while Alex Albon’s race was ended prematurely for Williams after being hit by Piastri at the hairpin.
Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad was unable to begin the race after he experienced a clutch issue during the start procedure – causing further additional formation laps.
Formula One returns in June for the Monaco Grand Prix.
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