Formula 1 3 Days

Last updated: May 26, 2026, 2:42 AM ET

Race Report: Montreal

Red Bull secured its first podium of 2025 in Montreal despite a ragged qualifying session that left Max Verstappen only sixth on the grid, while team principal Laurent Mekies later admitted the crew ignored Verstappen's set-up feedback during the session, telling him "sometimes they have to feel it." The gap between driver input and engineering decisions proved telling when Verstappen criticized the team after qualifying, a frustration that preceded a stronger race-day performance. Meanwhile, George Russell saw his Canadian GP bid end prematurely in a collision with Kimi Antonelli, denying him what could have been a breakthrough victory over his Mercedes team-mate and championship rival. Lewis Hamilton avoided a grid penalty after being cleared of impeding Pierre Gasly in qualifying, allowing the Ferrari driver to keep fifth place on the starting grid.

Wet Weather Warnings

Pirelli's earlier wet-weather testing gave Ferrari and Red Bull an edge heading into Montreal, with McLaren's Andrea Stella conceding that rivals had done more homework on rain setups. That advantage took on added weight as Pirelli warned the Canadian GP could become "the perfect storm" for F1, echoing how Miami organizers moved their start time forward three hours to dodge thunderstorms. The weather variable loomed large over strategy conversations in the paddock, where stewards later fined Racing Bulls €30,000 after Liam Lawson stopped on track, with the FIA document carrying what one report called a "schoolmasterish anger" in its tone.

Strategy and Development

McLaren pulled its new front wing before sprint qualifying after introducing the second phase of its Miami upgrade package in Montreal, having already signaled the component would be central to the changes. The decision underscored how quickly teams can reverse course on aerodynamic updates when track data contradicts simulations. Red Bull backed further moves to protect team independence after McLaren CEO Zak Brown raised governance concerns, marking an unusual alliance between the two organizations. Aston Martin, meanwhile, has not upgraded its car since March and likely will not until July at the earliest, leaving the Adrian Newey-designed AMR26 as the team's lone specification through the summer.

Regulation and Energy Debate

Lando Norris criticized F1's 2026 energy management rules, saying the demands have grown too dominant, particularly on cool-down laps where he believes "there should be no skill required." His comments reflect a broader driver discomfort with how the new technical regulations will reshape race craft. George Russell voiced his preference to keep the 2026 rules unchanged, even after his Montreal exit, signaling that several drivers see the current framework as workable. Toto Wolff faces a delicate management task with Antonelli and Russell, drawing lessons from 2016 when he navigated the Rosberg-Hamilton dynamic but acknowledging the current pair demands a different approach. The Canadian Grand Prix concluded the first ADUO assessment period, with Red Bull sharing its power unit pecking order as the FIA evaluates suppliers across the season's opening block.