Antonelli and Russell Lead Free Practice in Montreal

Mercedes drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell dominated the first free practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on May 22, 2026. Antonelli set the fastest lap of the session with a time of 1.13.402 minutes, while Russell finished 0.142 seconds behind.

Third on the leaderboard was seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari. However, the session was disrupted by two high-profile incidents involving Alex Albon in his Williams and Esteban Ocon in his Haas.

Injuries and Incidents

Albon had a serious crash on the seventh turn, causing a red flag to be issued. Initial reports suggested Albon had veered off the track and spun after attempting to avoid a marmot crossing the track. Ocon also had a notable incident, spinning and damaging his front wing as he exited the fourth turn in the complex.

Russell had a close call at the end of the session, spinning out of the turn combination of 1-2 and hitting the side barrier. Though his car was undamaged, the set of tires was destroyed.

Challenges for McLaren

Oscar Piastri in the McLaren had a chance to be close to the Mercedes drivers, but in his best lap, he locked up the brakes entering the chicane, causing him to cross the safety zone and lose the lap.