“Chaos in Canada”: 2025 Canadian Grand Prix Full Weekend Breakdown 

By ChasingTheSlipstream.com | June 22, 2025

The 2025 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was more than just a race—it was a three-act drama filled with crashes, controversy, redemption, and rookie brilliance. From wildlife incidents and weather changes to intra-team explosions and a long-awaited win, Montreal delivered another classic. We're going to break down everything from the first lights to the final lap—and what it all means going forward in the championship.

Montreal Delivers Madness

Clean Start… For 30 Seconds

The lights went out on a dry, slightly breezy afternoon. Russell held the lead into Turn 1, Verstappen tucked in behind, and the McLarens held station. 

Lap 13: Groundhog Day for Hamilton

In what became one of the most surreal moments of the year, Lewis Hamilton struck a groundhog that darted across the track. The impact caused extensive floor damage to his Ferrari, costing him up to half a second per lap for the rest of the race. Hamilton was audibly devastated on team radio and confirmed after the race that he was “emotionally wrecked” by the incident. 

Ferrari opted not to pit for repairs, gambling that Hamilton could hold track position, but it was a losing bet. He dropped to P6 by the end, his pace visibly hampered.

Strategic Split: Medium vs Hards

As the sun shone down on the track without a cloud in the sky, several teams opted for medium tyres. McLaren and Ferrari kept Norris and Leclerc out longer on hards, and the strategy that paid off as the wasn't an early yellow flag. Red Bull, which switched Verstappen early, lost crucial seconds as the others will have fresher tires when they pit.

McLaren again made strong calls, but Ferrari hesitated with Leclerc, leaving him on degraded hards far too long. The team’s radio indecision became public, further fueling speculation of internal dysfunction.

Lap 66: Team Orders Implode at McLaren

With four laps to go, the battle for P4 exploded between McLaren teammates Norris and Piastri. Norris went for a late lunge down the pit straight, locking up slightly and colliding with Piastri’s rear-left. Norris was out on the spot. Piastri limped home in P4, but McLaren’s double-points finish turned into a PR disaster. 

Norris took full responsibility post-race, admitting on Sky Sports, “No one to blame but myself, so I apologize to the whole team and to Oscar as well for attempting something probably too silly.” Team Principal Andrea Stella stated that the incident was "not acceptable" and is something that shouldn't even have happened between the McLarens. 

This was McLaren’s first intra-team collision since 2021—and it could cost them the constructors’ title if tensions aren't addressed fast. 

The Final Laps: Russell Fends Off Verstappen

Norris' crash brought out the safety car, and the race restarted with just two laps to go. Russell, leading, had Verstappen breathing down his neck. The Dutchman attempted a dive into Turn 1 on the penultimate lap but locked up and ran wide, losing time. 

Russell held on, crossing the line just 0.228 seconds ahead of Verstappen. It was his first win since Las Vegas 2024. 

Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli—just 18 years old —brought home P3 for Mercedes. The Italian rookie was composed, strategic, and fast, becoming the third youngest driver to get a podium and Italy’s first driver to get a podium since 2009.