Mercedes heartbreak as Russell’s title challenge takes a major hit while Hamilton charges into podium contention
The Mercedes duo had delivered one of the most intense contests of the 2026 season around Montreal, exchanging the lead multiple times during the opening phase of the race while running wheel-to-wheel on the limit.
At several points, contact appeared inevitable as Russell and Antonelli pushed each other relentlessly through the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s heavy braking zones. But after controlling much of the opening stint, Russell’s afternoon unravelled suddenly when his car suffered a catastrophic power unit failure.
The Briton slowed dramatically before parking his Mercedes at the side of the circuit, with debris scattered onto the track as smoke poured from the stricken car. The retirement immediately triggered heartbreak for Russell and a huge swing in the race outcome.
Antonelli inherited the lead ahead of , while moved into a podium position in a major boost for Ferrari’s afternoon.
Russell’s retirement also ended an impressive 38-race finishing streak, adding further frustration to a disastrous evening for the Mercedes driver. Matters worsened when he was reportedly noted by FIA stewards after appearing to throw his headrest from the cockpit following the incident.
Back in the paddock, cameras captured Mercedes team principal consoling his visibly devastated driver as the scale of the championship blow became clear.
Antonelli keeps Verstappen at bay
Out front, Antonelli quickly settled into the race lead and built a comfortable advantage over Verstappen, at one stage stretching the gap to seven seconds.
Behind them, Hamilton bolted on fresh medium tyres and unleashed a series of rapid laps, eventually setting the fastest lap of the race as Ferrari attempted to pressure the leading pair through strategy.
Antonelli’s advantage was later cut when he encountered heavy traffic from backmarkers, including a battle involving and ahead of him.
The Mercedes rookie vented his frustration over team radio as Verstappen closed the gap temporarily, although Antonelli eventually re-established control once clear air returned.
Elsewhere, compounded a miserable afternoon for Mercedes-powered teams after retiring with suspected gearbox trouble. The McLaren driver pulled off onto the safety road before reporting the issue to his engineers over team radio.
Russell left stunned after sudden failure
Speaking after returning to the paddock, Russell admitted he was shocked by the abrupt nature of the failure.
“Everything turned off all of a sudden going into the corner,” Russell explained. “Engine stopped, no electronics, no proper braking. So yeah… I’m a bit lost for words.”
The result could prove pivotal in the championship fight, particularly with Antonelli and Verstappen both poised to gain heavily in the standings while Hamilton continues to build momentum during a resurgent run of form for Ferrari.
What had started as one of Russell’s strongest weekends of the season ultimately ended with silence at the side of the circuit — and potentially serious consequences in the 2026 title race.