Montreal: George Russell claimed Mercedes’ first win of the season with a commanding drive from pole position in the Canadian GP, but the biggest drama came behind as McLaren teammates and title rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided late in the race.
The contact occurred on lap 67 of 70 as Norris attempted to overtake Piastri for fourth. The Briton misjudged a move on the pit straight and ran into the back of the Australian’s car.
Norris retired on the spot with front suspension damage, while Piastri continued to finish fourth behind Russell, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and the second Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli. The race ended under the safety car.
Norris immediately took full responsibility over team radio: “It’s all my bad, all my fault. Unlucky, sorry. Stupid from me.”
The incident, reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button’s infamous clash at the same point in 2011, dealt a blow to Norris’ title challenge. Piastri’s points lead over his teammate now stands at 22 points, with Verstappen a further 21 points behind. IANS
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