Canada— In a thrilling conclusion to Saturday’s Qualifying session at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, George Russell delivered a sensational final lap to secure pole position for Sunday’s race at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The Mercedes driver clocked a stunning 1:10.899, beating out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 0.160 seconds, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri rounded out the top three.
Russell, who set his lap on the medium C5 compound, described the pole-winning effort as “one of the most exhilarating laps of my life.” His result marks his second consecutive pole in Canada and gives Mercedes its best shot yet at a maiden victory in the 2025 season.
“I saw every corner I was gaining time,” Russell said post-session. “Crossing the line and seeing P1 was a real surprise, but I was so chuffed with it.”
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Canadian GP Top 10 Qualifying Results:
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:10.899
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +0.160s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) — pending grid penalty for impeding
- Alex Albon (Williams)
The result sets up a highly anticipated front-row battle between Russell and Verstappen, just weeks after their tense on-track clash at the Spanish Grand Prix. Behind them, Piastri—who currently leads the Drivers’ Championship—will look to hold off fellow young talent Antonelli and veteran Hamilton as the lights go out in Montreal.
Grid Penalties and Drama:
Yuki Tsunoda will start at the back following a 10-place grid penalty for a red flag infringement during FP3.
Isack Hadjar may face a further drop after allegedly impeding Carlos Sainz in Q1.
Carlos Sainz, who was eliminated in P17, voiced frustration over the incident and will have a challenging race ahead.
Lance Stroll, in his home race, had a disappointing session and will line up 18th.
When & Where to Watch:
Race Start (Sunday, June 16):
- 2:00 p.m. local / 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT
Live Coverage:
- NBC, Peacock, F1 TV Pro, USGA App, YouTube TV, DirecTV
With the front of the grid stacked with former world champions, rising stars, and title contenders, the 2025 Canadian GP promises high tension from start to finish.