21:19
Russell is over a second clear now after that moment. Big rookie error from Antonelli, there. First weekend we've seen the pressure get to him a bit.
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
21:21
Lap 9/68
Onto lap nine now.
Russell is a second clear of Antonelli.
Meanwhile, Verstappen takes Hamilton for third into Turn 1!
21:20
Lap 8/68
The laps are coming thick and fast. Russell now leads Antonelli and Hamilton.
21:18
That's a nasty flat spot on Antonelli's tyres now.
21:18
Lap 7/68
Russell takes the lead into the last chicane. But Antonelli almost ran into the back of him!
He locked up and ran through the chicane.
21:17
Lap 6/68
Antonelli leads Russell by 0.4s across the line.
Hamilton is 1.6s off the lead in third. He's just dropped back from the Mercedes this time around.
21:16
All of the intermediate starters have now ditched them.
21:16
Lap 5/68
Lap five now. Hamilton is sticking with the lead Mercs. Race on here!
Verstappen is clinging on in fourth.
21:15
Norris goes through the chicane at Turn 3.
He's down in 14th after his stop. Piastri is 16th. Both McLarens on the medium.
21:15
Yes, that's right, Fernando Alonso is 10th!
21:14
Lap 4/68
Onto lap four now and Antonelli leads Russell by 0,5s.
Hamilton is in touch in third.
Verstappen is fourth from Leclerc and Hadjar. Colapinto, Lawson, Bearman and Alonso complete the top 10.
21:13
Lap 3/68
The Mercedes' go side by side into Turn 1, but Antonelli holds firm from Russell and Hamilton now. Verstappen is up to fourth from Verstappen.
21:13
Antonelli leads into the last chicane. Norris pits.
21:12
Piastri is onto the mediums and is out after a 24.121s total pit stop time. He rejoins in last.
21:11
Lap 2/68
Onto lap two of 68. Norris leads Antonelli.
Piastri dives into the pits.
21:11
Hamilton is fourth ahead of Piastri.
21:10
Norris leads at Turn 1 on the inters from Antonelli and Russell.
21:10
Race start: Lap 1/68
The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix is underway... finally!
21:09
Piastri thinks McLaren has made the wrong decision, but they will be starting on those inters.
21:07
Extra formation lap
We're going again for another formation lap. Race will be reduced to 68 laps.
21:05
Piastri says "it feels like the rain has stopped now".
21:05
Lindblad is being pushed off the grid.
21:04
Start has been abandoned. Extra formation lap
An extra formation lap is underway.
Lindblad has stalled on the grid.
21:01
It's drizzling still, but that seems like a bold strategy for McLaren. That will help them off the line, but not sure what the strategy is beyond that.
21:00
Warm-up lap
Warm-up lap is underway.