Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who had hoped to win for a record fourth year in a row at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, had to settle for second after a challenge fizzed out behind the safety car.

Russell's 18 year old rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli finished third for his first F1 podium and the first by an Italian since 2009. 

Piastri was fourth, with the safety car leading the final lap before peeling off to clear the way for Russell to take the chequered flag. 

"Well done team. That made up for last year," said Russell, who also started on pole in 2024 but finished third. His last win before Sunday was in Las Vegas in November. 

"It's amazing to be back on the top step. I felt last year was a victory lost and probably got the victory today due to the incredible pole lap yesterday." 

Piastri now has 198 points ahead of Norris on 176, with Verstappen on 155 with Russell on 136.
 
--Reuters--