George Russell has apologized for his heated reaction after his retirement in Canada. The Englishman seemed on course for victory for a long time, although he faced strong resistance from teammate Kimi Antonelli. When his car suddenly broke down in the thirtieth lap, the young Italian inherited a relatively easy win. Out of frustration, Russell threw his headrest onto the asphalt, which ultimately earned him a conditional fine.
Read more Ralf Schumacher enjoyed ‘epic’ Antonelli: ‘Successor of Max Verstappen’
The FIA announced during the race that it would further investigate the incident involving Russell. Afterwards, according to the official report, the Mercedes driver apologized to the stewards. At the same time, the FIA showed understanding for the emotions of the moment; due to his retirement, Russell lost a lot of ground in the World Championship standings. The gap to his younger teammate now amounts to 43 points. Therefore, he was given a conditional fine of five thousand euros.
Penitence
Russell also showed remorse on social media and addressed the marshals and the FIA. “My apologies to the marshals and the FIA,” he wrote. “I made their job harder than necessary. Emotions were running high at that moment.” In a separate message, he once again responded to the painful end of his race in Montreal. “I am speechless after losing the lead. I really enjoyed the battle with Kimi (Antonelli, ed.) and would have liked to fight for another forty laps. Furthermore, I am proud of my weekend in Canada. On to the next race.”
Meanwhile, on social media, people are visibly enjoying the fuss around Russell. Footage of the Brit watching his stranded W17 from behind the fence is being widely shared. Red Bull also did not miss the chance for a jab. Last year, Russell had criticized Verstappen after their collision during the Spanish GP. “He (Verstappen, ed.) reacts with anger and something bordering on violence,” he said at the time. Under a video of the frustrated Russell in Canada, Red Bull wrote pointedly: “Something bordering on.”
Read more ‘Toto Wolff may undergo couples therapy within Mercedes’ | Paddockpraat Update
Apologies to the marshals & FIA for making their job harder than it needed to be. Lots of emotions in the moment. https://t.co/h7Zejcja9x
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) May 25, 2026
You can change your choices at any time by clicking “Cookie Settings” at the bottom of the site.”
NOW ONLINE: 40 pages Race Special GP Canada: our online magazine with news, reactions, analysis, and interview!
Read more Drivers mock McLaren strategy: ‘Thank you very much’, laughs Verstappen
