Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed victory in an intense wet-dry Canadian Grand Prix that culminated in a five-car battle for the lead in the final 10 laps.
Verstappen expertly navigated a restart after a safety-car period with 11 laps remaining, quickly pulling away from the competition to secure a decisive lead.
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, along with Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, engaged in a fierce fight behind him. Despite Norris twice leading earlier in the race, he couldn’t challenge Verstappen in the crucial closing laps and settled for second place. Russell, who started from pole position for the first time in nearly two years, claimed the final podium spot after passing Hamilton with three laps to go.
The race saw fluctuating conditions and strategic gambles, especially during the safety car interventions. Russell and Hamilton, pitted for fresh tires, briefly seemed poised to challenge Verstappen, but key errors and tire choices influenced the final positions.
Norris’s lead was compromised by a late safety car deployment, which allowed Verstappen to maintain his advantage. Verstappen’s sixth win in nine races extended his championship lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Despite challenges and mistakes, Verstappen and his team’s consistent control and strategic decisions in tough conditions secured the victory, while his teammate Sergio Perez struggled and received a penalty for the next race in Spain.
