{"id":1954947,"date":"2026-05-25T14:29:07","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T11:29:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1954947"},"modified":"2026-05-25T14:29:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T11:29:07","slug":"kimi-antonelli-takes-control-in-tense-f1-title-fight-but-flaws-exposed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1954947","title":{"rendered":"Kimi Antonelli takes control in tense F1 title fight, but flaws exposed"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Kimi Antonelli takes control in tense F1 title fight, but flaws exposed<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>The F1 title race came alive with a new twist at the Canadian Grand Prix, writes Lewis Larkam.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-05-25T15:29:07+01:00\">25 May 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli has taken control of the F1 title race<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The 2026 Formula 1 title race turned up a notch in intensity at the Canadian Grand Prix, and took a potentially decisive swing in the process.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli bagged his fourth consecutive victory this season to further extend his lead in the championship standings to 43 points over Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who was left \u201clost for words\u201d after his power unit gave up the ghost.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s first retirement in 38 races came after a pulsating back-and-forth for the lead between the Mercedes duo as they went hammer and tongs for the win. After twice clashing in the Montreal sprint race, Russell and Antonelli came within millimetres of colliding again as they traded first place in a thrilling opening 30 laps around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli and Russell had a gripping fight at the front<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Such was the fraught nature of their squabble, Mercedes team principal and headmaster Toto Wolff stepped in and threatened to call off the fight altogether if things did not calm down.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Canada marked the first proper time the Mercedes duo had gone wheel-to-wheel for victory this year, and it is safe to say that the gloves have well and truly come off.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Antonelli in control but not infallible\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The result has handed a massive advantage to Antonelli, who has both momentum and a large points buffer on his side. While the Italian teenager has seemingly taken control of the title fight, his latest win still highlighted some potential weaknesses.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b990a344e41229ad4dc4d14b73825e097f4db919128bd6ee56d4d69521f59662\">  George Russell apologises to marshals for \u2018embarrassing\u2019 unsafe act   Toto Wolff warns he could \u201cput handbrake on\u201d Antonelli\/Russell F1 battling <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Antonelli was the quicker Mercedes driver over the course of the weekend in Canada, and he is clearly getting the rub of the green at the moment. But that does not mean he is bulletproof.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">During the exhilarating duel with Russell, both in the sprint and main race, it felt like Antonelli was dancing on a knife edge between brilliance and flirting with disaster. There were small errors from both drivers in the heat of battle, but it felt as though Antonelli was the more likely to come off worse from any potential contact.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Both Mercedes drivers made errors in the heat of battle<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f05649a3bbdf3b6e42b57a095bc068f5cb27ca3297baca3106e84803536b41f0\">  Wolff reveals cause of Russell\u2019s heartbreaking Canadian GP failure   Hamilton and Verstappen dissect epic Canada battle in F1 cooldown room <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">As events transpired, things never reached that climax as Russell peeled over into a heartbreaking retirement, robbing us of what was shaping up to be a relentless race-long fight.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Antonelli demonstrated some hot-headedness with his repeated complaints over team radio, resulting in both race engineer Peter \u2018Bono\u2019 Bonnington and later Wolff getting involved to calm things down. This is understandable given what is at stake and his age, but it showed things can get under Antonelli\u2019s skin in the heat of the moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">And this could be a potential chink in Antonelli\u2019s armour that Russell could look to exploit. Russell, who is nine years Antonelli\u2019s senior and who is now in his eighth F1 season, appeared calmer and more composed as the two Mercedes duked it out at the very front.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This is not by any means meant to be a criticism of Antonelli, who is electrifyingly fast and exciting, and who has come on leaps and bounds since an up-and-down rookie F1 season. It is simply an observation, that when watching the nature of his gripping battle with Russell, it felt precariously poised that he would either win it, or bin it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This may give some hope to Russell, who until this weekend had downplayed his deficit to Antonelli in the championship. After Sunday\u2019s race, Russell\u2019s mood shifted to more of a bleak outlook.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;I mean, right now it&#8217;s his to lose,&#8221; a downbeat Russell told media including\u00a0Crash.net, adding \u201cit feels like the Gods don\u2019t want me to be in this fight\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell is now 43 points behind Antonelli<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Russell down, but not out<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yes, Canada was a crushing set-back for Russell, who excels in Montreal, but it was not a fatal blow to his title hopes. After all, there are still 17 grands prix (at least) remaining, and 449 points still up for grabs across the rest of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s 43-point deficit is not a true reflection of his performances in 2026, either. There have been other factors at play, and Russell has been on the receiving end of misfortune. Russell probably lost a win in Japan due to the timing of the safety car, so the gap between him and Antonelli is maybe a bit more inflated than the current championship table suggests when taken at face value.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Luck tends to even itself out over the entirety of a season and it will be incredibly challenging for Antonelli to keep up his current remarkable consistency.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s experience will also come in handy. He overturned a 37-point deficit on his way to winning the Formula 2 title in 2018 and recent history in F1 tells us that it is never over until it\u2019s over.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If Russell can keep his head, he can absolutely get back in this. This is not the time to panic, especially when considering Mercedes\u2019 competitive edge over the rest &#8211; underlined by the fact they continued to gap the chasing pack while fighting for the lead &#8211; means it is likely to be the two Silver Arrows sharing the wins for the time being.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>This was Antonelli&#8217;s fourth straight win in 2026<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Publicly, at least, Russell is putting on a brave face and trying to shift the pressure onto his team-mate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe pressure&#8217;s off. Go out, enjoy every single race. Try to win every single race. And I&#8217;ve got nothing to lose,\u201d he added.\u00a0 &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to be stood here talking like that. It is, of course, frustrating, but I want to be in that fight. Hopefully, the luck will turn.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">All that being said, Antonelli has handled everything that has been thrown at him so far and continues to come out on top, showing that he is the real deal Mercedes believed him to be.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">One thing is for certain, this year\u2019s F1 title battle has a new edge to it and has come alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Toto Wolff<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Circuit Gilles Villeneuve<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">George Russell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Max Verstappen reveals the \u201cminimum\u201d he needs to avoid quitting F1 after doubling down on threat<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411774_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Lando Norris jets in for Indy 500 celebrations with Daniel Ricciardo after brutal F1 Canadian GP<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411594_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-1e4170a87544614c93f3a31b2b76a6b05a7ce1a0a7fdf78101d7c12bb222891a\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-c4445e55a4d2d1d41b552e959159d4a84ce348ee8676f9372b2258857ec547e9\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u2018The Gods don\u2019t want me in this fight\u2019: George Russell reacts to costly Canada F1 exit<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779660626\"> 22h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411506_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes, 2026 Canada F1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Race Report <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Antonelli wins Canadian GP ahead of Hamilton as Russell suffers blow<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779658772\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411625_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli now leads Russell by 43 points\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen reveals Red Bull ignored his set-up preferences<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779641564\"> 24\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605240027.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen only secured sixth on the grid for the Canadian Grand Prix\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Martin Brundle has say on edgy George Russell-Kimi Antonelli battle<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779637354\"> 24\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1410773_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli and Russell came close to crashing \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Canada F1 qualifying quirk Kimi Antonelli \u2018will remember for a long time\u2019<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779616357\"> 24\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411217_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Canadian GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>PETA demands F1 Canadian GP action after Albon&#8217;s groundhog crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779609600\"> 24\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1282829_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Groundhogs make the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve their home \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>The F1 title race came alive with a new twist at the Canadian Grand Prix, writes Lewis Larkam.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The 2026 Formula 1 title race turned up a notch in intensity at the Canadian Grand Prix, and took a potentially decisive swing in the process.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli bagged his fourth consecutive victory this season to further extend his lead in the championship standings to 43 points over Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who was left \u201clost for words\u201d after his power unit gave up the ghost.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s first retirement in 38 races came after a pulsating back-and-forth for the lead between the Mercedes duo as they went hammer and tongs for the win. After twice clashing in the Montreal sprint race, Russell and Antonelli came within millimetres of colliding again as they traded first place in a thrilling opening 30 laps around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli and Russell had a gripping fight at the front<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Such was the fraught nature of their squabble, Mercedes team principal and headmaster Toto Wolff stepped in and threatened to call off the fight altogether if things did not calm down.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Canada marked the first proper time the Mercedes duo had gone wheel-to-wheel for victory this year, and it is safe to say that the gloves have well and truly come off.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Antonelli in control but not infallible\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The result has handed a massive advantage to Antonelli, who has both momentum and a large points buffer on his side. While the Italian teenager has seemingly taken control of the title fight, his latest win still highlighted some potential weaknesses.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b990a344e41229ad4dc4d14b73825e097f4db919128bd6ee56d4d69521f59662\">  George Russell apologises to marshals for \u2018embarrassing\u2019 unsafe act   Toto Wolff warns he could \u201cput handbrake on\u201d Antonelli\/Russell F1 battling <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Antonelli was the quicker Mercedes driver over the course of the weekend in Canada, and he is clearly getting the rub of the green at the moment. But that does not mean he is bulletproof.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">During the exhilarating duel with Russell, both in the sprint and main race, it felt like Antonelli was dancing on a knife edge between brilliance and flirting with disaster. There were small errors from both drivers in the heat of battle, but it felt as though Antonelli was the more likely to come off worse from any potential contact.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Both Mercedes drivers made errors in the heat of battle<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f05649a3bbdf3b6e42b57a095bc068f5cb27ca3297baca3106e84803536b41f0\">  Wolff reveals cause of Russell\u2019s heartbreaking Canadian GP failure   Hamilton and Verstappen dissect epic Canada battle in F1 cooldown room <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">As events transpired, things never reached that climax as Russell peeled over into a heartbreaking retirement, robbing us of what was shaping up to be a relentless race-long fight.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Antonelli demonstrated some hot-headedness with his repeated complaints over team radio, resulting in both race engineer Peter \u2018Bono\u2019 Bonnington and later Wolff getting involved to calm things down. This is understandable given what is at stake and his age, but it showed things can get under Antonelli\u2019s skin in the heat of the moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">And this could be a potential chink in Antonelli\u2019s armour that Russell could look to exploit. Russell, who is nine years Antonelli\u2019s senior and who is now in his eighth F1 season, appeared calmer and more composed as the two Mercedes duked it out at the very front.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This is not by any means meant to be a criticism of Antonelli, who is electrifyingly fast and exciting, and who has come on leaps and bounds since an up-and-down rookie F1 season. It is simply an observation, that when watching the nature of his gripping battle with Russell, it felt precariously poised that he would either win it, or bin it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This may give some hope to Russell, who until this weekend had downplayed his deficit to Antonelli in the championship. After Sunday\u2019s race, Russell\u2019s mood shifted to more of a bleak outlook.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;I mean, right now it&#8217;s his to lose,&#8221; a downbeat Russell told media including\u00a0Crash.net, adding \u201cit feels like the Gods don\u2019t want me to be in this fight\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell is now 43 points behind Antonelli<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Russell down, but not out<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yes, Canada was a crushing set-back for Russell, who excels in Montreal, but it was not a fatal blow to his title hopes. After all, there are still 17 grands prix (at least) remaining, and 449 points still up for grabs across the rest of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s 43-point deficit is not a true reflection of his performances in 2026, either. There have been other factors at play, and Russell has been on the receiving end of misfortune. Russell probably lost a win in Japan due to the timing of the safety car, so the gap between him and Antonelli is maybe a bit more inflated than the current championship table suggests when taken at face value.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Luck tends to even itself out over the entirety of a season and it will be incredibly challenging for Antonelli to keep up his current remarkable consistency.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s experience will also come in handy. He overturned a 37-point deficit on his way to winning the Formula 2 title in 2018 and recent history in F1 tells us that it is never over until it\u2019s over.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If Russell can keep his head, he can absolutely get back in this. This is not the time to panic, especially when considering Mercedes\u2019 competitive edge over the rest &#8211; underlined by the fact they continued to gap the chasing pack while fighting for the lead &#8211; means it is likely to be the two Silver Arrows sharing the wins for the time being.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>This was Antonelli&#8217;s fourth straight win in 2026<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Publicly, at least, Russell is putting on a brave face and trying to shift the pressure onto his team-mate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe pressure&#8217;s off. Go out, enjoy every single race. Try to win every single race. And I&#8217;ve got nothing to lose,\u201d he added.\u00a0 &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to be stood here talking like that. It is, of course, frustrating, but I want to be in that fight. Hopefully, the luck will turn.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">All that being said, Antonelli has handled everything that has been thrown at him so far and continues to come out on top, showing that he is the real deal Mercedes believed him to be.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">One thing is for certain, this year\u2019s F1 title battle has a new edge to it and has come alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The 2026 Formula 1 title race turned up a notch in intensity at the Canadian Grand Prix, and took a potentially decisive swing in the process.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli bagged his fourth consecutive victory this season to further extend his lead in the championship standings to 43 points over Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who was left \u201clost for words\u201d after his power unit gave up the ghost.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s first retirement in 38 races came after a pulsating back-and-forth for the lead between the Mercedes duo as they went hammer and tongs for the win. After twice clashing in the Montreal sprint race, Russell and Antonelli came within millimetres of colliding again as they traded first place in a thrilling opening 30 laps around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411718_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli and Russell had a gripping fight at the front<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Such was the fraught nature of their squabble, Mercedes team principal and headmaster Toto Wolff stepped in and threatened to call off the fight altogether if things did not calm down.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Canada marked the first proper time the Mercedes duo had gone wheel-to-wheel for victory this year, and it is safe to say that the gloves have well and truly come off.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Antonelli in control but not infallible\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The result has handed a massive advantage to Antonelli, who has both momentum and a large points buffer on his side. While the Italian teenager has seemingly taken control of the title fight, his latest win still highlighted some potential weaknesses.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b990a344e41229ad4dc4d14b73825e097f4db919128bd6ee56d4d69521f59662\">  George Russell apologises to marshals for \u2018embarrassing\u2019 unsafe act   Toto Wolff warns he could \u201cput handbrake on\u201d Antonelli\/Russell F1 battling <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Antonelli was the quicker Mercedes driver over the course of the weekend in Canada, and he is clearly getting the rub of the green at the moment. But that does not mean he is bulletproof.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">During the exhilarating duel with Russell, both in the sprint and main race, it felt like Antonelli was dancing on a knife edge between brilliance and flirting with disaster. There were small errors from both drivers in the heat of battle, but it felt as though Antonelli was the more likely to come off worse from any potential contact.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411542_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Both Mercedes drivers made errors in the heat of battle<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f05649a3bbdf3b6e42b57a095bc068f5cb27ca3297baca3106e84803536b41f0\">  Wolff reveals cause of Russell\u2019s heartbreaking Canadian GP failure   Hamilton and Verstappen dissect epic Canada battle in F1 cooldown room <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">As events transpired, things never reached that climax as Russell peeled over into a heartbreaking retirement, robbing us of what was shaping up to be a relentless race-long fight.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Antonelli demonstrated some hot-headedness with his repeated complaints over team radio, resulting in both race engineer Peter \u2018Bono\u2019 Bonnington and later Wolff getting involved to calm things down. This is understandable given what is at stake and his age, but it showed things can get under Antonelli\u2019s skin in the heat of the moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">And this could be a potential chink in Antonelli\u2019s armour that Russell could look to exploit. Russell, who is nine years Antonelli\u2019s senior and who is now in his eighth F1 season, appeared calmer and more composed as the two Mercedes duked it out at the very front.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This is not by any means meant to be a criticism of Antonelli, who is electrifyingly fast and exciting, and who has come on leaps and bounds since an up-and-down rookie F1 season. It is simply an observation, that when watching the nature of his gripping battle with Russell, it felt precariously poised that he would either win it, or bin it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This may give some hope to Russell, who until this weekend had downplayed his deficit to Antonelli in the championship. After Sunday\u2019s race, Russell\u2019s mood shifted to more of a bleak outlook.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;I mean, right now it&#8217;s his to lose,&#8221; a downbeat Russell told media including\u00a0Crash.net, adding \u201cit feels like the Gods don\u2019t want me to be in this fight\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/m599667_f1_grand_prix_of_canada.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell is now 43 points behind Antonelli<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Russell down, but not out<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yes, Canada was a crushing set-back for Russell, who excels in Montreal, but it was not a fatal blow to his title hopes. After all, there are still 17 grands prix (at least) remaining, and 449 points still up for grabs across the rest of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s 43-point deficit is not a true reflection of his performances in 2026, either. There have been other factors at play, and Russell has been on the receiving end of misfortune. Russell probably lost a win in Japan due to the timing of the safety car, so the gap between him and Antonelli is maybe a bit more inflated than the current championship table suggests when taken at face value.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Luck tends to even itself out over the entirety of a season and it will be incredibly challenging for Antonelli to keep up his current remarkable consistency.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Russell\u2019s experience will also come in handy. He overturned a 37-point deficit on his way to winning the Formula 2 title in 2018 and recent history in F1 tells us that it is never over until it\u2019s over.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If Russell can keep his head, he can absolutely get back in this. This is not the time to panic, especially when considering Mercedes\u2019 competitive edge over the rest &#8211; underlined by the fact they continued to gap the chasing pack while fighting for the lead &#8211; means it is likely to be the two Silver Arrows sharing the wins for the time being.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411753_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>This was Antonelli&#8217;s fourth straight win in 2026<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Publicly, at least, Russell is putting on a brave face and trying to shift the pressure onto his team-mate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe pressure&#8217;s off. Go out, enjoy every single race. Try to win every single race. And I&#8217;ve got nothing to lose,\u201d he added.\u00a0 &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to be stood here talking like that. It is, of course, frustrating, but I want to be in that fight. Hopefully, the luck will turn.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">All that being said, Antonelli has handled everything that has been thrown at him so far and continues to come out on top, showing that he is the real deal Mercedes believed him to be.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">One thing is for certain, this year\u2019s F1 title battle has a new edge to it and has come alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/feature\/1096219\/1\/kimi-antonelli-takes-control-tense-f1-title-fight-flaws-exposed&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1411789_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Kimi Antonelli takes control in tense F1 title fight, but flaws exposed The F1 title race came alive with a new twist at the Canadian Grand Prix, writes Lewis Larkam. Lewis Larkam 25 May 2026 Share Antonelli has taken control of the F1 title race Add as a preferred source The 2026 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1954947","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1954947","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1954947"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1954947\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1954947"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1954947"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1954947"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}