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The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve delivered another classic weekend, blending high drama, reliability gremlins, and the raw theatre that makes this old-school track a highlight of the calendar. Kimi Antonelli emerged victorious in a tense Mercedes intra-team battle after George Russell’s power unit failure on lap 30, with Lewis Hamilton charging to a superb second for Ferrari ahead of Max Verstappen. It was Antonelli’s fourth straight win, stretching his championship lead to 43 points. Yet beyond the result, the weekend reinforced a broader truth about Formula 1’s evolution.
The 2026 regulations have drawn plenty of pre-season scepticism—lighter, shorter cars with a near 50-50 split between combustion and electrical power, active aero elements, and refined energy management. Critics feared they might neuter the spectacle. In reality, they’re proving far from the disaster some predicted. Montreal showed close racing, strategic layers, and overtaking opportunities on a circuit that rewards precision over sheer brute force. Yes, there are new variables around energy deployment and “Overtake Mode,” but the racing has remained compelling.
This shouldn’t surprise anyone with a sense of history. Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley understood a fundamental truth: drivers will complain regardless of the rulebook. Hand them a pure V10 formula stripped of hybrids, DRS, and active aero, and the same voices would lament the lack of overtaking compared to the hybrid era’s strategic depth and power deployment battles. Regulations shape the game, but talent, adaptability, and sheer racing instinct still decide it. The 2026 package encourages nimbler cars and more consistent flat-out running after recent tweaks (like adjusted recharge limits). It’s delivering racing that feels fresh rather than compromised. The sport moves forward, as it always has.
No one embodies the “nearly man” frustration quite like George Russell right now. From the nadir of those uncompetitive Williams cars—where he often qualified heroically only to fight at the back—to wheel-banging incidents with Bottas and the need to swallow pride with Mercedes, his path has been paved with character tests. He finally got the silver seat, only for the ground-effect era cars to often behave like pigs. Now, in 2026, the power unit woes continue to bite, Antonelli is breathing down his neck as a precocious teammate, and reliability has cost him dearly again in Montreal after a strong pole and early battle.
What does Russell need for that lucky break? A dose of old-school grit, perhaps. Grow the Nigel Mansell moustache, start dropping retirement hints to lower expectations, and channel that veteran fire. Mansell won his title at 37; at this rate, Russell might need to plot a comeback for one at 50. Talent isn’t the issue—consistency, a touch of fortune, and a car that doesn’t betray him are. The intra-team fight with Antonelli was thrilling while it lasted; Russell has the speed to win titles, but fate keeps dealing him difficult hands.
The supporting bill in Montreal reminded us why we love these traditional venues. Formula 2 put on entertaining races around the classic Gilles Villeneuve layout, with its mix of chicanes, long straights, and walls that punish mistakes. Noel León took sprint honours, while Martinius Stenshorne claimed his first F2 victory in the feature for Rodin Motorsport in a 1-2 for the team. Gabriele Minì consolidated the championship lead with another podium, heading into Europe with 57 points. Rafael Câmara sits second on 36, with Nikola Tsolov close behind on 35. The field looks competitive, and the racing had that proper wheel-to-wheel edge that modern, sanitised tracks sometimes lack. No disrespect to the newer venues—they bring their own excitement—but there’s something special about a proper driver’s circuit like this one.
Montreal 2026 reminded us why this sport endures: regulations come and go, drivers battle through adversity, and every now and then, pure racing magic breaks through on a proper circuit. On to Monaco.
Finally, a heartfelt congratulations to Felix Rosenqvist on his sensational Indianapolis 500 victory. In one of the closest finishes in Indy 500 history, the Swede delivered drama right to the yard of bricks. He was always one of our favourite interviewees back in his European F3 days, through Formula E, DTM, and that memorable Macau Grand Prix run. Sharp, thoughtful, and quick with a smile—qualities that match his speed. Seeing him etch his name into Indy lore is thoroughly deserved. Well done, Felix.
“Unreal; I still don’t believe it,” said Felix Rosenqvist. “It kind of worked out the right way when I got back to third, and then I just had to go flat out on the final lap on the high line, and it stuck. It was just the coolest way you can finish and win an Indy 500. It is without a doubt the biggest day in my career. This is the biggest race in the world, and to win it like this – it is impossible to comprehend. I have dreamed about this exact scenario many times and today it became reality.”
iberianmph.com 