The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix saw Mercedes continue their strong form, while Ferrari and Red Bull made notable strides. Despite some setbacks, teams are optimistic as they head into the European races.
The Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve delivered plenty of action, with teams reflecting on their varied fortunes.
Russell's promising start from pole turned sour as he lost out to Antonelli and Norris. Despite a series of spirited duels with Antonelli, Russell's race ended prematurely with a power failure, leaving him visibly frustrated. Meanwhile, Antonelli capitalized on the opportunity, securing his fourth consecutive win and extending his lead in the standings.
**Kimi Antonelli, 1st:**
Antonelli expressed sympathy for Russell's misfortune but acknowledged the win, albeit not in the desired fashion. He noted the challenges posed by tricky winds and low temperatures but remained focused on the upcoming European races.
**George Russell, DNF:**
Despite his retirement, Russell took pride in his performance over the weekend, having secured pole positions and a sprint race victory. He relished the battle with Antonelli and looks forward to the rest of the season with optimism.
**Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport:**
Wolff praised the team's victory streak while expressing disappointment for Russell's bad luck. He remains confident in Russell's resilience and anticipates more exciting battles as the season progresses.
Hamilton had a strong race, overtaking Piastri early on and later reclaiming his position from Verstappen, culminating in his best result of the season. Leclerc had a more challenging weekend, struggling with tyre performance but managing to secure fourth.
**Lewis Hamilton, 2nd:**
Hamilton felt at one with his car, crediting the team's hard work for his success. He enjoyed the battle with Verstappen and is eager to build on the positive momentum.
**Charles Leclerc, 4th:**
Leclerc admitted to difficulties over the weekend, particularly in tyre management. Looking ahead to Monaco, he hopes to turn things around.
**Fred Vasseur, Team Principal:**
Vasseur acknowledged the team's strong performance despite not bringing upgrades to Canada. He remains encouraged by the results and looks forward to the European races.
Verstappen had a commendable race, battling with Hamilton but ultimately finishing third. Hadjar faced penalties but managed to hold onto fifth.
**Max Verstappen, 3rd:**
Verstappen was pleased with his podium finish, noting the team's improved performance and looking forward to further developments.
**Isack Hadjar, 5th:**
Hadjar struggled with car balance but was satisfied with the overall performance, hoping to maintain momentum in Monaco.
**Laurent Mekies, Team Principal:**
Mekies was proud of the team's progress and the milestone of achieving a podium with their own powertrain. He remains focused on closing the gap to the leaders.
Colapinto and Gasly both scored points, with Colapinto achieving his best F1 finish, despite a close call with the wall. Gasly recovered well after a poor qualifying session.
**Pierre Gasly, 8th:**
Gasly was content with the team's result but aims to address car issues before Monaco.
**Franco Colapinto, 6th:**
Colapinto was thrilled with his performance, acknowledging the team's hard work and targeting further improvements.
**Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor:**
Briatore praised the team's strategy and drivers, focusing on enhancing competitiveness for upcoming races.
Lindblad's race ended before it began due to a clutch issue, but Lawson drove well to secure seventh, holding off Gasly in the closing stages.
**Arvid Lindblad, DNS:**
Lindblad was disappointed but optimistic about future races, particularly Monaco.
**Liam Lawson, 7th:**
Lawson was pleased with his result, acknowledging the car's balance issues but confident in the team's progress.
**Alan Permane, Team Principal:**
Permane was satisfied with the points haul, despite Lindblad's setback, and remains hopeful for Monaco.
Albon's race ended early after a collision with Piastri, while Sainz navigated his way to ninth, continuing his points-scoring streak.
**Alex Albon, DNF:**
Albon's weekend was marred by bad luck but he remains optimistic for Monaco.
**Carlos Sainz, 9th:**
Sainz enjoyed the race and was happy with the points, but acknowledges the need for more pace.
**James Vowles, Team Principal:**
Vowles was pleased with the team's progress but acknowledges areas for improvement.
Bearman secured a point despite a challenging race, while Ocon's race was hampered by braking issues.
**Esteban Ocon, 14th:**
Ocon struggled with the car's balance and is looking to address these issues before Monaco.
**Oliver Bearman, 10th:**
Bearman was happy to score a point but aims for better consistency and performance.
**Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal:**
Komatsu acknowledged the weekend's difficulties but remains focused on improving the car's performance.
A tough race for McLaren as both drivers faced challenges with tyre strategy and mechanical issues.
**Lando Norris, DNF:**
Norris reflected on a challenging race but remains positive about the team's pace and looks to improve in Monaco.
**Oscar Piastri, 11th:**
Piastri was apologetic for the collision with Albon but remains focused on progress.
**Andrea Stella, Team Principal:**
Stella emphasized the importance of learning from the weekend's challenges and remains optimistic for future races.
Audi's decision to start on intermediates backfired, with both drivers finishing outside the points.
**Nico Hulkenberg, 12th:**
Hulkenberg acknowledged the team's strategic misstep but remains focused on improvements.
**Gabriel Bortoleto, 13th:**
Bortoleto echoed Hulkenberg's sentiments, looking forward to Monaco.
**Allan McNish, Racing Director:**
McNish saw positives in the team's reliability and aims to convert pace into results.
Alonso's race ended with a seat issue, while Stroll finished 15th. The team continues to work on improving car performance.
**Fernando Alonso, DNF:**
Alonso was positive about the race pace and looks forward to upgrades.
**Lance Stroll, 15th:**
Stroll acknowledged the car's limitations and is focused on future improvements.
**Mike Krack, Chief Trackside Officer:**
Krack noted the team's challenges but remains focused on developing the car.
Both Cadillac drivers faced challenges with tyre strategy and mechanical issues, with Perez retiring due to a suspension failure.
**Valtteri Bottas, 16th:**
Bottas remains focused on gradual improvements, despite a tough race.
**Sergio Perez, DNF:**
Perez highlighted the team's progress but aims to improve operationally.
**Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal:**
Lowdon remains positive about the team's progress and looks forward to Monaco.
Pirelli's Dario Marrafuschi reflected on the race, noting the impact of weather on tyre strategy and performance.
Overall, the Canadian Grand Prix offered teams a mix of triumphs and trials, setting the stage for the European leg of the season.