George Russell will start Sunday's race from pole position. © APA / MARK THOMPSON

Thrilling duel: Russell takes pole position

George Russell remains the man of the moment in Montreal. The 28-year-old Briton has also secured pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix in the next thrilling Mercedes team and title duel with Kimi Antonelli.

23 May 2026

From: dpa

Russell's pole position in qualifying also ended the impressive run of Formula 1 championship leader Antonelli, who had secured pole position – and won – the last three Grands Prix. World Champion Lando Norris finished third behind the Mercedes duo in his McLaren. Four-time champion Max Verstappen could only manage sixth place in his Red Bull.

Russell is in the standings thanks to his sprint victory Ahead of Sunday's race (22.00 p.m.), he is now 18 points behind Antonelli. Possible rain and cool temperatures could also have a significant impact on the outcome.

Thrilling battle for the poles

Initially, Antonelli was in first place, more than half a second faster than Russell. In the second knockout session, Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull moved into first place ahead of record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari and Norris in the McLaren. Antonelli followed in fourth place, with Russell in fifth, just three thousandths of a second behind his Mercedes teammate.

George Russell beat his teammate Kimi Antonelli in a race against time. © APA/afp / GEOFF ROBINS

When it came down to the battle for the top ten, Norris took the lead after his first attempt, followed by Hamilton and Piastri. Antonelli only managed fourth place, Russell had to abort his lap, and his subsequent attempt wasn't enough for pole position either. Antonelli did, but not for long, as Russell, who had won the opening race in Australia, secured pole position with his very last attempt.