Kimi Antonelli claimed a record-breaking victory at the Canadian Grand Prix after his Mercedes teammate George Russell was forced to retire from the lead with an engine failure on lap 30. The 19-year-old Italian now has four consecutive wins, becoming the first driver to score his first four Formula One victories in succession.
Russell, who had won the sprint race and taken pole position, was leading a thrilling battle with Antonelli when his car ground to a halt. The British driver, now 43 points behind Antonelli in the championship, expressed his frustration: 'I'm a bit lost for words. I'm proud of my weekend: pole for the sprint race, won the sprint race, pole for the main race. From my side I don't think there was any more I could do.'
The pair had traded the lead repeatedly over the opening 29 laps, with both drivers suffering lock-ups and minor errors. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the intensity of the contest, which saw the team warn their drivers to 'tidy up the racing' after a coming-together at the final chicane. Antonelli, who was forced to give back a place after going off track, complained: 'He pushed me off. I was ahead. What's the point?'
Antonelli admitted he would have preferred to win after a proper fight, but his victory streak now includes China, Japan, Miami and Montreal. Mercedes' rules of engagement allow their drivers to race freely as long as they avoid contact, a policy that may face further tests as the championship battle intensifies.
