Canadian Grand Prix Practice & Qualifying Roundup
Kimi Antonelli led George Russell to a Mercedes one-two in a practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix. The session was interrupted by three red flags.
Incidents
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) stopped on track due to a loss of steering caused by a hydraulics leak.
- Alex Albon (Williams) crashed after hitting a groundhog on the exit of turn seven. He slid along the barriers, causing heavy damage to his car.
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) crashed after spinning on the exit of turn four.
Qualifying
Russell beat Antonelli to sprint pole by 0.068 seconds. Lando Norris (McLaren) qualified third, 0.315 seconds off pole and 0.019 seconds ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
Statements
Williams team principal James Vowles commented on Albon's incident: "He has hit a marmot and the damage is extensive from that point onwards. Back in the garage he's more worried about his mum, who suspects he's going to have to pay to adopt a family of marmots."
Background
Groundhogs are native to North America and are commonly found around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Similar incidents have occurred in previous Canadian Grands Prix, including one involving Lewis Hamilton in 2024.