George Russell fends off Max Verstappen to win Canadian GP where McLarens collide

Mercedes driver George Russell held off Red Bull's Max Verstappen for his fourth career race win, while McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris collided on Sunday at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Russell started on pole for the second consecutive year in Montreal and held the advantage most of the race on a sunny, 24 C afternoon at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The British driver became the fourth race winner this year, joining Formula One leader Piastri, Norris and Verstappen.

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli became the third-youngest F1 podium finisher, placing third behind Verstappen after overtaking Piastri on the opening lap.

While Russell and Verstappen made contact at the Spanish GP two weeks ago, the fireworks this time involved two teammates and standings leaders.

The two McLarens came together on the 67th lap out of 70 when Norris, then in fifth, attempted to pass Piastri multiple times. Norris ultimately ran into Piastri and dropped out of the race, drawing a safety car for the final laps.

Piastri finished fourth, ending an eight-race podium streak dating back to the second race of the season. McLaren as a team failed to reach the top three for the first time this year.

Piastri arrived in Montreal — the 10th of 24 stops this season — with a 10-point lead over Norris amid a dominant season for the papaya coloured cars.

The Australian driver extended his advantage to 22 points over his teammate. Verstappen, ranked third in the drivers' championship, now trails Norris by 21 points. A race win is worth 25.

Ferrari pilots Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were fifth and sixth, respectively. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg, Haas' Esteban Ocon and Williams' Carlos Sainz Jr. rounded out the