Story perspectives

Russell Takes Sprint Pole, Mercedes Locks Front Row

5/23/2026

Summary

Russell Sprint Pole

George Russell (Mercedes) secured sprint pole on May 22, 2026 with a 1:12.965 lap.
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) qualified second, giving Mercedes a front-row lockout.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) qualified third and fourth, while Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were fifth and sixth.
Alex Albon (Williams) missed qualifying after a wildlife-related practice crash.
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) crashed in SQ1, causing a red flag that ended his sprint session.

Summary

Canadian GP Sprint

The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix will host Formula 1’s first sprint race at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
Apple TV holds exclusive global streaming rights through 2031 while Netflix also streams the weekend.
Apple TV offers a seven-day free trial and a 30-day Apple One bundle trial.
Sprint qualifying runs Friday 16:30 ET, the race Saturday noon ET, and the Grand Prix Sunday 16:00 ET.
Simple Plan, Bryan Adams, Alessia Cara and The Beaches will perform at the CGV Experience on Jean-Doré Beach all weekend.

History

Historical Context

In 2021 the FIA, Formula One and all ten teams introduced a 100-km, eight-lap sprint at the British Grand Prix, reshaping the weekend schedule. Building on that trial, the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix will host F1’s first North-American sprint, with Mercedes taking pole and Apple TV securing exclusive streaming rights. The change reflects the sport’s shift toward shorter, digitally-focused race formats.

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Russell Sprint Pole

George Russell (Mercedes) secured sprint pole on May 22, 2026 with a 1:12.965 lap.
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) qualified second, giving Mercedes a front-row lockout.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) qualified third and fourth, while Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were fifth and sixth.
Alex Albon (Williams) missed qualifying after a wildlife-related practice crash.
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) crashed in SQ1, causing a red flag that ended his sprint session.

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