George Russell returned to the top of the podium with a commanding drive at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing his first win of the 2025 Formula 1 season and Mercedes’ second victory of the campaign.

Starting from pole, the 27-year-old held off Max Verstappen at the start and controlled the race throughout, fending off late pressure following a safety car brought on by a collision between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Red Bull protested Russell’s conduct under the safety car, but stewards dismissed the complaint.

The win marked Russell’s first since November’s Las Vegas Grand Prix and his fifth podium of the year.

Reflecting on the victory, the Briton described it as “redemption” for last year’s disappointment at the same circuit, where he also started on pole but finished third.

“I was really disappointed last year, we should have won,” Russell said. “But I’m in a different place now. I feel like I’m driving better than ever.”

Currently fourth in the championship standings, Russell sits 62 points behind leader Piastri and 19 behind third-placed Verstappen.

Despite Mercedes showing improvements, Russell downplayed his title hopes, pointing to McLaren’s pace.

“McLaren clearly have the dominant car,” he said. “I can’t imagine they’ll keep throwing away points like they have been, but of course, we hope they do.”

Russell’s contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the season, though team boss Toto Wolff suggested a renewal is likely, saying both sides have agreed on a timeline to finalise talks once the summer schedule settles.