21:59
Hamilton has just set the fastest lap. He's going a bit better on these medium tyres and is closing little by little on Verstappen.
2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix
© XPB Images
F1 Canada LIVE: Russell retires, Antonelli leads after tense battle
Live updates from the 2026 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix
KEY MOMENTS
- 2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix is underway
- Russell retires on lap 30, Antonelli leads
- Russell, Antonelli trading places in thriller
- Threat of rain in the air
The fifth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season takes place at the Canadian Grand Prix, with Mercedes driver George Russell starting from pole position.
The final race before F1 heads to Europe for an extended period, the Canadian Grand Prix weekend has also been the third sprint event of the campaign.
George Russell converted pole to victory in Saturday's sprint at Montreal, but not without controversy, as he and Mercedes team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli touched at Turn 1.
With the pair starting on the front row again for the start of Sunday's race, fireworks are expected, even if the rules of engagement have had to be spelt out for Russell and Antonelli already by Toto Wolff.
McLaren managed a podium in the sprint with Lando Norris, and looks to have strong race pace for Sunday's longer contest if the weather plays ball.
There is rain in the forecast for the main race, which would mark the first time these new cars will have competed in rain conditions. This has already led to warnings from some drivers about how the new car behaves in wet conditions.
Eighteen points split Antonelli and Russell in the championship ahead of this race.
24 May 2026
21:59
Lap 38/68
No change at the front.
21:58
Norris makes a place to eighth on Gasly.
21:58
Lap 37/68
Antonelli is 6.4s clear of Verstappen, who is 5.5s ahead of Hamilton, who is 5.6s ahead of Leclerc.
21:57
Lap 36/68
As you were at the front.
Quite big gaps are splitting the podium trio right now.
21:56
Russell has been noted for chucking his headrest out of his car. Least of his troubles today, though.
21:55
Lap 35/68
Antonelli's lead is 5.2s now at the start of lap 35.
Leclerc had a look at Hadjar into the last corner, but the Red Bull made a very late move to cover that off. He may be in a spot of bother.
21:55
Well, Russell's issue has really sucked the life out of this one, sadly.
21:54
The top five are on the mediums. Colapinto is on hards. Lawson is on the softs. Norris and Sainz are on mediums.
21:54
Lap 34/68
Antonelli is 4.6s clear of Verstappen now.
21:53
Antonelli leads Verstappen, Hamilton, Hadjar, Leclerc, Colapinto, Lawson, Gasly, Norris, Sainz, Bearman, Piastri, Hulkenberg, Bortoleto, Ocon, Perez, Stroll, Bottas.
21:53
Green flag
The VSC has been rescinded. We are racing again.
21:52
Lap 33/68
Mercedes has confirmed it was a power unit failure for Russell.
21:51
Lap 32/68
Antonelli leads Verstappen, Hamilton, Hadjar, who has jumped Leclerc in the pits.
I assume Leclerc has gotten caught out by being double-stacked.
21:51
Ferrari is pitting its two cars.
21:50
Antonelli has pitted. Verstappen is in too.
21:50
If it finishes like this, Antonelli would lead by 43 points over Russell. That's a huge blow for Russell.
21:49
Antonelli now leads Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Hadjar, Colapinto, Lawson, Gasly, Bearman and Sainz.
21:49
Virtual Safety Car - Lap 31/68
The VSC is out.
21:49
Mechanical: George Russell is out
Russell is getting out of his car. He is out of this grand prix. He ran through the chicane at Turn 8 and then slowed on the exit.
21:48
Russell has stopped!
21:48
Russell is off!
21:47
Lap 30/68
Lap 30 begins. Russell is 0.5s clear of Antonelli.
They've both been warned again that this race will be put to a stop if they don't keep it clean.
21:46
Lap 29/68
They keep it all nice and tidy as they cross the line. Russell leads by 0.5s.
21:45
Lap 28/68
Another lap is ticked off. Russell fends off Antonelli into Turn 1.
They've been told to tidy it up. Let's see if they heed that message, though.