Lando Norris and Red Bull Clash Sparks F1 Embarrassment Worldwide

The Canadian Grand Prix sparked major reactions worldwide following a tense and unpredictable finish. George Russell claimed his fourth Formula 1 career victory at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 15, 2025, but the race outcome took a backseat to a dramatic intra-team incident at McLaren and a wave of controversy involving Red Bull and Mercedes.

In the closing laps, Lando Norris collided with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, an event Norris described as “stupid.” The 25-year-old British driver immediately accepted responsibility, issuing an apology to both Piastri and the McLaren squad as the team faced questions about how the costly mistake unfolded.

Russell’s victory came under review as Red Bull lodged dual protests against Mercedes. Red Bull principal Christian Horner suggested Russell demonstrated unsportsmanlike conduct, implying the British driver tried to get Max Verstappen penalized during their on-track fight.

Despite Red Bull’s protest and requests for Verstappen’s exclusion, FIA stewards ruled in favor of Russell, allowing him to keep his win. The post-race investigations and these formal protests delayed the official results by over five hours, prompting frustration both in the paddock and among fans who waited through the lengthy deliberation.

Italian media celebrated a historic milestone as 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli finished on the podium, becoming the first Italian driver to do so since Jarno Trulli’s third place at the 2009 Japanese Grand Prix. Antonelli also became the third-youngest podium finisher in Formula 1 history, drawing comparisons with countrymen Giancarlo Fisichella and Riccardo Patrese.

The story of Antonelli’s achievement was overshadowed, however, by headlines around the incident between the McLaren drivers and the stewardship controversy. Spanish outlet El País used the term “hara-kiri” to describe Norris’s costly mistake in the closing stages, emphasizing how the incident was seen as a self-inflicted error that derailed a strong McLaren weekend.

Meanwhile, Germany’s BILD criticized Formula 1’s race governance after the extraordinary 320-minute wait for confirmed results, calling the delay “a disgrace.” The paper argued that fans deserve more transparent and timely decision-making and compared the situation to waiting until the next morning to know the outcome of a football match, underlining widespread impatience and disappointment.

Australian media also highlighted an unusual and somber moment as Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, struck a groundhog during the race. The incident caused floor damage to his SF-25 and left Hamilton visibly upset after learning about the animal’s fate.

The seven-time world champion described himself as “devastated,” adding an emotional note to a weekend loaded with drama both on and off the track. As F1 heads towards Austria and Silverstone in July, McLaren faces pressure to recover from its internal clash while Red Bull seeks to regain momentum in the championship.

Russell sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with 136 points, while Piastri and Norris lead the way for McLaren with 198 and 176 points respectively. The Canadian Grand Prix will be remembered for its controversy and the international media reactions it triggered, setting the stage for even tighter battles as the season continues.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.