The Canadian Grand Prix Shake-Up: 5 Winners and 5 Losers You Didn’t See Coming

Saajan JogiaJune 16, 2025

7 minutes read

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal served as a turning point for several drivers and teams, showcasing the highs and lows of a thrilling Formula 1 season. From breakthrough performances to disappointing finishes, the race weekend was packed with drama that reshuffled the dynamics in the paddock. Here, we take a look at the standout winners and unfortunate losers of the event as they navigated the twists and turns of one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar.

Table of Contents

10. Winner – George Russell

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 15: Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team celebrate on the podium with Champagne during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202506150773 // Usage for editorial use only //

George Russell delivered a flawless weekend in Montreal, claiming pole with what he called his best-ever lap, then expertly fending off Max Verstappen to secure his first win of 2025 and Mercedes’ first of the season. This triumph puts him just 19 points behind Verstappen in the championship.

9. Winner – Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri - $6 million — Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; McLaren Team driver Oscar Piastri (81) during media availalbilities at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Oscar Piastri continues to impress as McLaren’s lead contender, finishing a strong fourth in Montreal to maintain his spot atop the championship standings. Despite a tense clash with teammate Lando Norris, Piastri’s safely finished in the points.

8. Winner – Kimi Antonelli

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 15: Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202506150815 // Usage for editorial use only //

Kimi Antonelli delivered a breakthrough performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, claiming his first-ever Formula 1 podium with a strong third-place finish for Mercedes. The rookie impressed by overtaking Oscar Piastri at the start and withstanding late pressure, earning Driver of the Day honors and becoming F1’s third-youngest podium finisher.

7. Winner – Mercedes

2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Saturday – LAT Images

Mercedes emerged as big winners in Montreal, securing a dominant 1-3 finish. George Russell converted pole into his fourth career F1 victory, while rookie Kimi Antonelli claimed his maiden podium, making him the third youngest ever to do so. The result propelled Mercedes to second in the Constructors’ standings.

6. Winner – Esteban Ocon

Ocon finished ninth for Haas, scoring two points and helping Haas celebrate their 200th Grand Prix with a valuable result. His strong drive and strategic risk paid off, as confirmed by F1.com and official race coverage

5. Loser – Lando Norris

Lando Norris was a major loser at the Canadian Grand Prix, crashing into teammate Oscar Piastri during an intense battle. Despite a strong start, Norris’s race ended early, earning him a five-second penalty though it didn’t affect his DNF result.

4. Loser – Ferrari

Ferrari faced another tough weekend in Montreal, with Charles Leclerc finishing fifth and Lewis Hamilton sixth, failing to challenge for the podium. Despite bringing upgrades earlier this season, the team continues to lag behind rivals in both pace and race performance, solidifying their position as one of Canada’s key losers.

3. Loser – Charles Leclerc

Grid Penalties for Engine Component Changes — Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) is introduced before the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Charles Leclerc endured a frustrating Canadian Grand Prix, finishing outside the top positions after a challenging weekend for Ferrari. Despite strong recent form, Leclerc struggled with qualifying pace and race performance, highlighting ongoing concerns about the SF-25’s competitiveness. He now faces a determined fight to recover championship momentum in the coming rounds.

2. Loser – Lance Stroll

Lance Stroll, racing at home in Montreal, received a penalty for a collision with Pierre Gasly and finished outside the points. Despite strong support from the crowd, his race was marred by incidents, making him one of the event’s losers.

1. Loser – McLaren Team

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 15: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes and the rest of the field away for the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202506150608 // Usage for editorial use only //

Despite Oscar Piastri’s P4, the intra-team collision and Norris’s DNF cost them crucial points and created tension within the garage. It also compromised a significant number of points from the race.

Conclusion:

As the dust settles on the Canadian Grand Prix, the implications for the championship battle and individual fortunes are coming into sharper focus. Mercedes’ commanding performance—with George Russell’s victory and Kimi Antonelli’s maiden podium—has reinvigorated their season and tightened the title fight. Rising talents like Antonelli and Oliver Bearman are making headlines, while Esteban Ocon’s points finish highlights Haas’s progress on a milestone weekend. On the flip side, Ferrari’s ongoing struggles, Lando Norris’s costly DNF, and Lance Stroll’s home-race disappointment underscore the relentless challenges of Formula 1. With every race reshaping the competitive landscape, the championship remains wide open—fueling anticipation for even more drama and surprises as the season unfolds.