George Russell out of Canadian Grand Prix as British driver visibly frustrated launching headrest onto track

F1 marks 75th anniversary of sport with colourised footage of 1950 British Grand Prix

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PA

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 24/05/2026

- 22:03

Updated: 24/05/2026

- 22:51

The Mercedes driver's power unit failed, forcing him to retire

George Russell is out of the Canadian Grand Prix as the British driver launched his headrest onto the track.

The Mercedes star appeared visibly frustrated, throwing items out of the car, including his gloves on the floor, when he stepped out to the side of the circuit.


Russell has been noted for throwing his headrest out of the car, with former F1 driver Martin Brundle suggesting on Sky Sports that the incident could result in a fine for the Briton.

Lando Norris was also forced to retire, pulling up on lap 40 with a gearbox problem.

George Russell

George Russell is out of the Canadian Grand Prix

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REUTERS

The British driver was in an intense battle with teammate Kimi Antonelli, which saw the pair bang wheels at one point.

Upon retiring, Russell hit the car in anger before climbing out to watch his vehicle be taken away.

It was a thrilling battle between the pair, with either driver taking the lead multiple times.

For the second day running, the Italian accused the British driver of running him off the track again.

George Russell

Speaking after the retirement, Russell said he was 'lost for words'

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REUTERS

Russell told Sky Sports after the incident that "everything told off" and he was "lost for words".

Despite his anger, he shared that he was "proud of his weekend" and will "leave satisfied but pretty damn frustrated with what happened".

He praised the battle with Antonelli, saying he "loved" going back and forth with the Italian, adding: "That's what racing is all about."

The Italian went on to win the race and extend his gap at the top of the driver's championship.

Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli was involved in an intense battle with Russell

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REUTERS

Lewis Hamilton ran home in second place, marking his best finish so far with Ferrari.

Max Verstappen finished in third place to complete the podium in an incredibly entertaining race on a chilly day in Montreal.

Speaking after the race, Antonelli praised the battle with Russell, saying it was "fun" and "pretty much on the limit".

He added: "It was very close... it was a very cool battle and we will take it. Massive thank you to the team.

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton said he has 'high hopes' going forward

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REUTERS

"When I was on my own, I was trying to manage the tyres because I started to have some graining.

"Now, I'm looking forward to the next one."

Hamilton praised his team and the crowd, saying he is "so happy" and loves the Montreal track.

The British driver described the second-place finish as "encouraging" and has "high hopes for what's ahead".