FIA post-race press conference – Canada

George Russell has clinched a remarkable victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, a triumph he described as "amazing" and a testament to Mercedes' resurgence. The win, which follows a challenging triple-header for the team, sees Russell back on the top step of the podium for the first time since Las Vegas, a win he felt was "lost" last year. He attributed this success to a stellar qualifying performance and the car's improved handling in cooler conditions, a factor he hopes will translate to future races. Adding to Mercedes' jubilation, rookie Kimi Antonelli secured his maiden Formula 1 podium, finishing P3. Antonelli, visibly thrilled and relieved, admitted to immense stress during the race, particularly from Oscar Piastri's late pressure. He reflected on the significance of the achievement after a difficult triple-header, emphasizing the boost it provides for his confidence. Max Verstappen, despite struggling with tire degradation, strategically secured P2, maximizing Red Bull's performance on a demanding day. While acknowledging the win was out of reach, he highlighted the team's effective defense and aggressive strategy. Looking ahead, Verstappen remains cautious, emphasizing the need for Red Bull to find more performance to consistently challenge McLaren, whom he still considers the dominant force in the championship. The Mercedes duo's strong showing, particularly Antonelli's podium, fuels optimism within the team. Russell, currently without a 2026 contract, expressed his loyalty to Mercedes, asserting that his continued strong performance negates any concerns about his future. Antonelli, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude for the team's support and George's mentorship, aiming to build on this momentum and potentially secure more podiums and even a win in the future.