Russell looks to hit back in Canada after Miami setback
21st May 2026George Russell believes the lessons learned from a difficult weekend in Miami will prove valuable as Formula 1 heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Feature image credit: Mercedes
The British driver arrives at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve looking to bounce back from a lacklustre weekend in Miami – despite recovering to fourth, he described the race as his toughest outing of the season so far.
Russell has had success in Canada over recent years, taking back-to-back pole positions in recent years and claiming victory in 2025.
Speaking to the BBC, Russell said:
“It’s been a turbulent start but the truth is Miami felt like the first tough race of the season.
“We got some really great learning from Miami.
“All of the basics; they’ve almost been put on the back burner because we’ve all been so focused on energy management.
“Miami was a really great reminder for my side of the garage and myself that you still need to focus on those fundamentals that make or break the weekend.”
Montreal will be a better fit for Russell and Mercedes. Cooler temperatures and reduced tyre degradation compared to Miami should play into the team’s strengths.
Mercedes are introducing upgrades at Montreal as they look to extend their advantage at the front – Russell is hoping these upgrades can provide a positive impact. He added:
“We expect it would be a decent step forward.
“We hope it’s as big as the upgrade was for the likes of McLaren and Ferrari in Miami but as we know there are no guarantees.”
Attention remains on the battle between Russell and his teammate Kimi Anotnelli for the Drivers’ Championship but Russell insists his focus is on himself this weekend at one of his best venues. He added:
“I see my competitor as myself because I know if I take all of my boxes, I can be at the top.
“At the moment, I’m just really focused on giving the most of myself and my team and the rest sorts itself out.”
Read more Formula 1 here:
- Canadian Grand Prix: the latest forecast expects wet race
- F1 2026 Canadian Grand Prix: Full schedule and times
- Colapinto aiming to keep Alpine momentum going in Canada
- Gasly says Alpine have “some answers” ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
- Perez encouraged by Miami gains as Cadillac eyes further progress in Canada
- Wolff: Mercedes must respond after rivals’ gains ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
- Vesti reflects on iconic 2011 Canadian Grand Prix memory
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