After every Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, offering you an exclusive and playful digital recap of the race weekend. Reporter Frank Woestenburg brings you up to speed from Montréal!
RECOMMENDATION
A visit to the Canadian GP in Montreal is a celebration every year. It’s a must-see for the true F1 fan. After all, it’s easily accessible with a direct flight, the city is vibrant, and the Gilles Villeneuve circuit is an attraction in itself.
The Wall of Champions is, of course, famous (and infamous), but the circuit also has a plethora of other challenging spots, with long straight (fast) sections that abruptly end, with hairpins or chicanes. Accidents often lurk around the corner. And in Montreal, the weather always plays a role. Usually, there’s always a shower, but the past few days have been pleasantly sunny and dry.
As a regular F1 journalist with a sporting spirit, it’s fun and educational to go for a run around the circuit after a hard day’s work. There are always new things that stand out: the elevation changes, new asphalt, kerbstones, etc. On Friday evening, I went for a run with two colleagues. As we left the track, we walked off satisfied, as did a marshal who had been stationed at turn seven. He had had a very enjoyable day, he told us. Later, I realized: that was the turn where Lance Stroll had unwillingly and especially forcefully rammed his Aston Martin into the wall during FP2. Yes, Stroll is not equally beloved by everyone in Canada…
Highlights in Canada
Max’s Quote
“The first two stints were not easy, but the car performed better on the tires in the last stint. You also have less fuel on board, which helped. In the end, we had a nice, aggressive strategy. But I had to drive defensively against the guys behind us (Antonelli and Oscar Piastri). All in all, it was a good race.”
Top & Flop
Who was in top form, who caught our attention, and who fell through the ice or made a mistake? Here are our top and flop from Montreal!
Highlight: George Russell
Admittedly, the rather pitiful braking action with which he tried to earn Max Verstappen a penalty during the safety car period was embarrassing. However, aside from that, one must tip their hat to George Russell’s performance over the weekend. The Brit secured pole position, won the race, and thus delivered Mercedes its first victory of 2025. He accomplished this by outperforming other big names in the field. A job well done, to be fair.
Lowlight: Lando Norris
He is known for his honesty, so Lando Norris would likely agree with this dubious distinction in our RaceReport. The Englishman disappointed in both the qualifying and the race. Just when he seemed to be giving his weekend a boost in the race, he made an unnecessary mistake while battling with teammate Oscar Piastri. This ended the race for Norris, cost him a good ranking, a point for the World Championship, and dented his ego. A shame!
Behind the Scenes
A glimpse behind the scenes at the Canadian Grand Prix!
Results of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix
The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix was a thrilling event, with intense competition and unexpected outcomes. The race was filled with high-speed chases, strategic maneuvers, and nail-biting finishes.
Race Overview
The race was a spectacle of speed and precision, with drivers pushing their vehicles to the limit. The track was filled with the roar of engines and the cheers of the crowd as each lap brought new developments and surprises.
Other Observations from Montreal…
WIN: ONE OF THESE TWO POSTERS!
In collaboration with Automobilist.com, an official partner of Formula 1, we are giving away luxury posters several times this season – true works of art! This time, it’s about special posters of Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher! (both 50×70 centimeters, worth 99 euros)
Three Questions for… Franco Colapinto
‘In Search of Self-Confidence’
The French Alpine team, especially under the unofficial team boss Flavio Briatore, is slowly starting to resemble a graveyard for drivers. After Jack Doohan, his interim successor Franco Colapinto is also on the chopping block. The name of Sergio Pérez is increasingly mentioned as a possible replacement. Despite another challenging weekend in Montreal, Colapinto remains hopeful.
Franco, how have you experienced the past few weeks?
“They were tough and certainly not what I had expected. I had hoped to make more progress after Imola (where he made his return to the premier class), but it turns out to be difficult to return to Formula 1 after not racing for six races. The other drivers have learned a lot, including about tyre management, and if you’re not driving yourself, that’s really tough.”
How different is the Alpine team compared to Williams, the team where you debuted last year?
“It’s very different. When I joined Williams last year, I had no reference. I had never driven another Formula 1 car. So I couldn’t really compare it to anything else, whereas now I can. I’m learning a lot at Alpine. There are many good things. Things that are different and things that could be better. The car is also very different to drive.”
The past races with Alpine were difficult for you for various reasons, but you did have ten days of rest before the GP Canada. There’s a lot of speculation about your future. What goes through your mind during such a rest period?
“It certainly helped me and the team, a bit of rest. Hopefully it brings back some performance and I can regain some of the confidence I had in the car last year. I will need that.”
Formula 1 Podcast
‘Max Verstappen Will Not Be Champion This Year’ | Quick Questions
Frank Woestenburg, reporter for Formule1.nl, responds from the paddock in Canada to the following statements:
🔅 A collision between Norris and Piastri is only a matter of time
🔈 Hadjar should be promoted to Red Bull as soon as possible
🏆 Alonso is right: Fernando Alonso is right: Max Verstappen is still a title contender
Next Grand Prix: Austria
Red Bull Ring
“After the Canadian Grand Prix, Formula 1 returns to Europe for the eleventh round of the 2025 F1 season: the Austrian Grand Prix. The race weekend will follow the traditional format, with three practice sessions, a qualifying round on Saturday, and the race on Sunday afternoon. Below is the complete schedule for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Schedule for the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix
Friday, June 27
- First practice session: 11:30 – 12:30 UTC
- Second practice session: 15:00 – 16:00 UTC
Saturday, June 28
- Third practice session: 10:30 – 11:30 UTC
- Qualifying round: 14:00 – 15:00 UTC
Sunday, June 29
- Race: 13:00 UTC
“
