'Verstappen and Hamilton deliver thrilling Canadian GP battle after Russell drama'

The weekend proved to be a refreshing change from what fans have become accustomed to under McLaren’s “Papaya Rules”, which have previously shaped much of the wheel-to-wheel racing between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This time, Mercedes allowed Kimi Antonelli and George Russell to race freely, albeit within clearly defined boundaries.

Both drivers made the most of the opportunity, going all-in from the outset. Even in the Sprint, Antonelli attempted bold overtakes on Russell, with the Brit responding in kind. The Grand Prix on Sunday continued in a similar fashion, with the pair engaging in close-quarters racing until a power unit issue forced Russell into retirement on lap 31.

After the intra-team battle subsided, Verstappen and Hamilton carried the intensity forward, producing their own flashes of wheel-to-wheel action. While it was ultimately the Ferrari driver who came out on top over the Red Bull driver, the duel at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was no less entertaining.

Despite finishing on the podium, Verstappen argued that Formula 1’s current regulations are not what create great racing. According to the four-time world champion, competitive battles would still exist even in “rental cars”. The Red Bull driver, who has often been outspoken about the rulebook, continued his criticism in Montreal when asked about the increasing tactical use of battery deployment.