21:43
Verstappen is 4.6s clear of Hamilton now. That earlier error has been hugely costly for the Ferrari.
2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix
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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
21:44
DNF: Fernando Alonso
Alonso has retired his car in the pitlane.
21:43
Lap 27/68
Russell's lead was 0.5s over Antonelli across the line.
21:42
Lap 26/68
Russell leads onto lap 26 from Antonelli.
21:42
Antonelli argues the point on the radio, though. He feels he was pushed off.
21:41
And he does so.
21:41
Antonelli has been told to give the place back.
21:41
Lap 25/68
Antonelli leads again, but they touched at the last corner and Antonelli ran through the last chicane.
He may have to give that place.
21:41
They touch!
21:40
Antonelli locks up and runs off at Turn 10. Russell is back through.
21:40
Lap 24/68
Norris has been lapped by the leaders.
Antonelli heads Russell by 1s/
21:39
Penalty: Piastri
Piastri has been given a 10s penalty for the Albon collision.
21:38
Lap 23/68
Antonelli leads onto lap 23. He got the move done down the back straight into the last corner.
21:38
Antonelli leads on the back straight!
21:38
Hamilton has run through at Turn 3. That's opened up the gap to Verstappen to four seconds!
21:37
This is absolutely breathless action. And they are now coming up on traffic in the form of Norris!
21:37
Lap 22/68
Russell defends the lead again into the last corner and Turn 1.
21:36
Hamilton is about 0.5s behind Verstappen in fourth. This is bubbling up nicely.
21:36
Lap 21/68
Russell continues to lead from Antonelli.
Bearman has now been noted for a yellow flag infringement. As has Alonso.
21:35
Lap 20/68
Russell leads Antonelli by 0.4s across the line to start lap 20.
Lawson and Hulkenberg are being investigated for an incorrect starting procedure.
21:34
Verstappen has about 0.7s over Hamilton right now.
Leclerc is fifth, Hadjar, Colapinto, Lawson, Gasly, Bearman complete the top 10.
21:33
Lap 19/68
My fingers are cramping here! Onto lap 19 and it's still line astern for Russell and Antonelli.
21:33
Interesting that Leclerc is about seven seconds behind team-mate Hamilton and hasn't been in the same race at all so far.
21:32
Lap 18/68
Russell holds the lead into the last corner as they ran side by side! Great racing!
21:32
Russell locks up at Turn 10 and gives Antonelli a look, but holds the lead just.