Red Bull’s Max Verstappen emerged victorious in a dramatic Canadian Grand Prix that transformed into a five-car battle for the lead in the final laps.
The race, which began on a wet track due to pre-race rain showers, saw fluctuating conditions challenge drivers throughout. Verstappen displayed exceptional skill after a safety car restart with 11 laps remaining, pulling away decisively from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while George Russell and Lewis Hamilton battled behind them in their Mercedes cars.
Norris had twice held the lead earlier, but strategic pit stops by Verstappen proved crucial. The reigning champion ultimately controlled the race from his decisive restart, leaving Norris to settle for second place.
Russell, starting from his first pole position in nearly two years, led the early stages before the race unfolded. He managed to overtake Hamilton for the final podium spot with three laps remaining, but a crucial error attempting to pass Piastri cost him valuable time. This allowed Hamilton to briefly challenge for the lead before Russell ultimately passed both him and Piastri.
This victory marks Verstappen’s sixth win in nine races this season, extending his championship lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to a significant 56 points. Leclerc’s race ended in disappointment, with a double retirement for the Ferrari team.
