21:31
The top six are all still on softs and haven't pitted yet.
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
21:31
Lap 17/68
As you were at the front. Verstappen still holding third from Hamilton.
Two very key battles here for the win and for third.
21:31
Norris has had grass cleared from his car and is back out in 14th.
21:30
Norris pits again from ninth.
21:30
Lap 16/68
Russell holds Antonelli at bay.
Russell ran wide at the Turn 10 hairpin a few laps ago, which is how Antonelli ended up back in the lead briefly. But that means both of them have flat-spotted tyres.
21:29
A replay of the clash shows Piastri tried to overtake Bearman and clattered into the side of Albon. Bit of a clumsy move.
21:28
Lap 15/68
Russell leads Antonelli and Verstappen, who is 3.8s away. So, this lead gap is extending.
21:28
There's quite a lot of debris on track at Turn 10.
21:28
Still yellow flags out there for the Albon collision.
21:27
Lap 14/68
Russell holds the lead from Antonelli onto lap 14.
Piastri rejoins in 19th after that recent stop. Just a nightmare afternoon for him so far.
21:27
Stop: Alex Albon
Albon has stopped at Turn 10. Piastri is having his front wing changed, so has there been contact there?
21:26
Penalty: Hulkenberg
Hulkenberg has been given a five-second penalty for pitlane speeding.
21:26
Lap 13/68
Antonelli has a look into Turn 1 on Russell but they hold station.
21:25
The Mercs swapped places briefly but Russell retakes the lead into the last corner.
21:25
The problem Norris has is he's 36s behind the lead and a pitstop here is 18s.
21:25
Lap 12/68
As you were at the front.
Norris gets up to ninth ahead of Gasly into Turn 1.
21:25
Norris is now up to 10th ahead of Bearman.
21:24
Hamilton is closing on Verstappen again this lap.
21:24
Lap 11/68
No change at the front.
Leclerc holding fifth, Hadjar sixth from Colapinto, Lawson, Bearman and Gasly.
Norris is 11th, Piastri 13th.
21:23
Bottas has already been lapped down in 21st.
21:22
That was a close one!
21:22
Hulkenberg has been noted for pitlane speeding.
21:22
Lap 10/68
Russell still leads by a second from Antonelli.
21:22
"I've got no power, man. Come on, guys," cries Hamilton on the radio. Deployment issue lets Verstappen get within range to overtake him.
21:21
Verstappen is looking good this afternoon.