Russell wins Canadian F1 sprint after tense duel with teammate Antonelli

George Russell secured his second sprint victory of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix, increasing his championship lead over teammate Kimi Antonelli to 18 points. The pair engaged in a tense wheel-to-wheel battle on lap six of the 23-lap sprint in Montreal, with Antonelli questioning Russell's defending.

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From my side, I didn't think I did anything wrong and it wasn't investigated. I guess race directors and stewards thought the same.

"From my side, I didn't think I did anything wrong and it wasn't investigated," Russell told reporters. "I guess race directors and stewards thought the same." He added, "You never get overtaken around the outside of that corner," acknowledging Antonelli's risky move but respecting the attempt. Russell emphasized the importance of racing hard but fair, stating, "I'm not just going to wave somebody by. And we're both fighting for our championship."

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You never get overtaken around the outside of that corner.

Antonelli, however, voiced his displeasure over the radio, calling Russell "very naughty." Team boss Toto Wolff intervened, suggesting an internal discussion. Antonelli later told reporters he needed to review the incident before making firm conclusions. "I was quite well alongside, and there was definitely contact, so I need to recheck that," he said. He maintained that overtaking should be possible when a driver is alongside, while also accepting Russell was defending his position. The team planned to clarify the situation internally after reviewing the race, with Antonelli stressing the importance of avoiding contact between teammates.

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Kudos to Kimi for giving it a go … I respect that.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri finished fourth, ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who was fifth and sixth. Hamilton had briefly passed Piastri at the start but lost a position at the end. Max Verstappen was seventh, with Arvid Lindblad taking the final point in eighth. The grid was reduced as Lance Stroll's Aston Martin experienced a front suspension problem before the race.

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You race each other hard, but fair, and from my side, there's never ill intentions towards anything. But on the same note, I'm not just going to wave somebody by. And we're both fighting for our championship.