Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff doesn't understand why Red Bull filed protests against George Russe...

<p>Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff doesn't understand why Red Bull filed protests against George Russell's victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, calling them "petty" and "embarrassing." </p><p>Red Bull alleged that Russell committed safety car infringements, including erratic driving and unsportsmanlike conduct, during the race in Montreal. However, the team's protests were eventually rejected by the FIA, and the Mercedes driver kept his win over Max Verstappen, who came second.</p><p>"First of all, it took team Red Bull Racing two hours before they launched the protest, so that was in their doing," Wolff told <a href="https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13384800/toto-wolff-mercedes-boss-slams-red-bulls-canadian-grand-prix-protest-against-george-russell-as-petty-and-embarrassing">Sky Sports</a> on Monday. "You know, honestly, it's so petty and so small."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He added: "You know, you race, you win and you lose on track. That was a fair victory for us, like so many they had in the past. And it's just embarrassing."</p><p>Russell added that he didn't believe Verstappen knew a protest was happening, a sentiment Wolff echoed. </p><p>"Who decides it? Because I'm 100% sure it's not Max, he's a racer," Wolff said. "He would never go for a protest on such a trivial thing."</p><p>Red Bull also lodged a protest against Russell in Miami for a yellow flag violation, though that was also dismissed.</p><p>Russell's victory in Montreal was his first of the season. </p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 14: Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Pole position qualifier George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team celebrate during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Wolff: Red Bull protests against Russell 'petty' and 'embarrassing'

MONTREAL - The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix brought more than a few notable developments: George Russ...

<p>MONTREAL - The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix brought more than a few notable developments: George Russell's first victory of the year, Kimi Antonelli's first career top-three finish, and the first podium of the season that didn't feature a single McLaren driver. Still, there was a lot more beneath the surface.</p><p>Here are 12 observations from the ground.</p><h3>Montreal is tailor-made for Mercedes</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790661/cropped_GettyImages-2219679729.jpg?ts=1750072255" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790661/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219679729.jpg?ts=1750072255 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790661/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219679729.jpg?ts=1750072255 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790661/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219679729.jpg?ts=1750072255 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790661/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219679729.jpg?ts=1750072255 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790661/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219679729.jpg?ts=1750072255 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Russell said Sunday that Mercedes is under no illusion that tracks like Montreal are the norm rather than an exception. Mercedes loves cold-temperature tracks like Canada, Las Vegas, and Silverstone. Sunday's race turned out to feature brutally hot temperatures, a known Achilles' heel for Mercedes. But Russell and Antonelli kept their tires alive because the track itself also played to the team's benefit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"There wasn't much tire overheating even though it was hot," Russell said after the race. "It's a very smooth tarmac here in Canada. There are quite low-speed corners, so the tires aren't under much stress."</p><p>If Mercedes designed a race track to fit the W16, it would look and feel a lot like Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.</p><h3>Antonelli has arrived</h3><p>Antonelli revealed before the post-race press conference that he has a final high school exam this week, though he may have a hard time studying after scoring the first podium of his career in Montreal. Antonelli surely benefited from Mercedes' rapid pace, but he was a star in his own right.</p><p>The 18-year-old phenom snatched a position from the unflappable championship leader, Oscar Piastri, and he defended it admirably. After a disastrous triple-header, Sunday's result proves why Antonelli was regarded as a generational prospect and the most talented rookie on the grid.</p><h3>McLaren brought a remedy for Lando Norris</h3><p>Much of the conversation leading up to Sunday focused on McLaren's upgrade package, which featured a new front suspension geometry intended to remedy Norris' complaints of numbness on the front end of his car and bring more feeling to the steering wheel.</p><p>At first, it seemed like it wouldn't change much. Norris had an error-riddled Q3 session in qualifying and said afterward that he didn't feel a difference. Then he came alive in Sunday's race.</p><p>But that all quickly became moot.</p><h3>Still, Norris can't help himself</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790662/cropped_GettyImages-2220016916.jpg?ts=1750072418" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790662/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220016916.jpg?ts=1750072418 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790662/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220016916.jpg?ts=1750072418 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790662/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220016916.jpg?ts=1750072418 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790662/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220016916.jpg?ts=1750072418 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790662/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220016916.jpg?ts=1750072418 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The biggest obstacle in Norris' path to a drivers' championship isn't his teammate, it's himself. His lack of composure is a big reason for his 22-point deficit, and the British driver proved it when his race ended after he collided with his teammate mere laps from the finish.</p><p>It's an example of what team principal Andrea Stella said Saturday to explain Norris' qualifying mistakes: He was overdriving the car. Norris' biggest blunders this season have come when he tries to do too much and gets ahead of himself, temporarily losing situational awareness. That manifested in the form of a crash Sunday after he tried to stick his car in a place it had no business going. Norris had never been on the back foot to Piastri before this year, and the further he falls behind, the more he'll be tempted to try another ill-fated move of desperation. It's a vicious cycle, and it's hard to imagine Norris escaping it at this point.</p><h3>Piastri's championship-caliber trait</h3><p>If the drivers' championship goes to McLaren, Piastri should be the likely recipient for one big but perhaps unremarkable reason: He knows how to do just enough to live to fight another day.</p><p>McLaren's pace looked unusually mortal in Montreal. Even worse, Piastri struggled mightily in practice, so it looked like blood in the water to Norris and Max Verstappen. And then Piastri qualified third and finished fourth. He kept his nose clean while his teammate didn't, and he only dropped six points to Verstappen. It'll be hard for Verstappen and Norris to take chunks out of his championship lead if this is what a weekend of struggles looks like.</p><h3>Red Bull found a working window but not pace</h3><p>Red Bull's reputation as a team that starts a weekend poorly before almost miraculously coming alive might be a thing of the past. Montreal's and Barcelona's track layouts have little in common, but Red Bull and Verstappen have started two consecutive race weekends on the right foot. Whether it's due to the series of upgrades from previous races, the front-wing clampdown working in its favour, or a combination of the two, the RB21 has seemingly expanded its working window and found reasonable balance.</p><p>The next step, as Verstappen has repeatedly pointed out, is adding much-needed performance. Like in Barcelona, the reigning world champion's car lacked the necessary juice to win in Montreal.</p><h3>Don't get your hopes up for silly season</h3><p>The majority of the conversation about the 2026 silly season has focused on three entities: Russell, Verstappen, and Toto Wolff. There has been near-constant speculation about Verstappen leaving Red Bull, and Mercedes has always felt like a perfect fit thanks to Wolff's fondness for the four-time champion. Naturally, that's left Russell the odd man out. Russell said Sunday that he's been clear with other teams about his desire to stay at Mercedes. Though he acknowledged the Verstappen factor on multiple occasions in Montreal, a move sending the Dutch driver to Mercedes becomes more unlikely with each top-notch performance from Russell - and he certainly had one in Canada.</p><p>"There haven't been any hard feelings with any of the talks that have been going around, especially around Max," Russell said Sunday. "Because, like I said numerous times, why wouldn't teams be interested in Max? If every driver had no contracts for next year, Max would be No. 1 for every single team."</p><h3>What's up with Mercedes' power units?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790663/cropped_GettyImages-2220294911.jpg?ts=1750072495" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790663/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220294911.jpg?ts=1750072495 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790663/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220294911.jpg?ts=1750072495 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790663/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220294911.jpg?ts=1750072495 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790663/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220294911.jpg?ts=1750072495 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790663/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220294911.jpg?ts=1750072495 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Another weekend, another problem for a Mercedes engine. A Silver Arrow power unit has now had issues in three consecutive races. In Monaco, it was Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin. In Barcelona, it was Antonelli's Mecedes. And on Sunday, Alex Albon's Williams kept the dreaded streak alive.</p><p>McLaren, though unaffected, is surely sweating with each engine failure - it uses the same power units that have already failed.</p><h3>Fred Vasseur's days might be numbered </h3><p>The hourglass has officially flipped on Vasseur's tenure as Ferrari team principal. Rumors about his impending demise peaked Thursday when reports from Italy suggested he could be on thin ice. While his drivers went to bat for him, Vasseur flipped between making light-hearted remarks about the situation to launching a full-blown attack against the Italian media.</p><p>But as we've seen with previous Ferrari team principals (hello, Mattia Binotto), where there's smoke, there's typically fire. It's undeniably strange that Vasseur's contract, which expires at the end of 2025, hasn't been renewed. Even though the French boss was correct when he said that writing about Ferrari is a very lucrative business in Italy, there also appears to be a heightened sense of paranoia that the call is coming from within the house.</p><h3>The SF-25 is a charming disappointment</h3><p>The red car is, unquestionably, a decently fast one. Charles Leclerc seemed destined to challenge for the front row, at least in qualifying, before his last Q3 lap faltered. His pace was encouraging at times Sunday, but it can most often be described as unsustainable or unusable.</p><p>There's no benefit to having a fast car if you can't use it. Leclerc was being told to lift and coast a few laps into Sunday's race, a trend that popped up for the majority of the grand prix. Ferrari's struggles with plank wear and rear suspension are well-known, and until changes are made, this team will remain elite in pit-stop execution but nothing else.</p><h3>Sauber take a step</h3><p>Nico Hulkenberg scored 14 points over the last two races, with only Verstappen and drivers from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes outscoring him. His fifth-place finish in Barcelona and eighth-place finish in Canada prove that Sauber's upgrade package, which included changes to the floor and engine cover, made the car competitive.</p><p>"Barcelona really put us back on the map, corrected where we wanted and needed to be from the beginning of the season," Hulkenberg said after the race. "It's nice and fun to be back in the mix, to fight with the others and fight for positions."</p><h3>Franco Colapinto buys time</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790664/cropped_GettyImages-2220287609.jpg?ts=1750072669" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790664/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220287609.jpg?ts=1750072669 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790664/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220287609.jpg?ts=1750072669 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790664/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220287609.jpg?ts=1750072669 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790664/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220287609.jpg?ts=1750072669 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790664/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220287609.jpg?ts=1750072669 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Meg Oliphant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Colapinto has been in the crosshairs after a run of putrid performances following his promotion in Imola. But he managed to escape the wrath of pundits and perhaps Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore for at least one more week after his best drive of the season in Montreal.</p><p>Colapinto outqualified Pierre Gasly for the first time this season. His 12th-place start moved to 10th after others received grid penalties. He just missed out on points - an incredible feat for Alpine, no matter the context - by finishing 13th, but Alpine can find hope that Colapinto has turned a corner.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 15: Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team celebrates during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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12 observations from the 2025 Canadian GP

MONTREAL - Kimi Antonelli is barely old enough to buy a beer in Montreal, but there was no questi...

<p>MONTREAL - Kimi Antonelli is barely old enough to buy a beer in Montreal, but there was no question that he was old enough to stand on the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix.</p><p>The 18-year-old Mercedes rookie took third place from current championship leader Oscar Piastri at the opening corner and never relinquished it. Antonelli admitted that he was counting down the laps near the end of the race as Piastri mounted a challenge, but he did enough to defend the final podium spot.</p><p>"It was much better than what I imagined," Antonelli said of the result in the post-race press conference. "Hearing the crowd while walking onto the podium, I had massive goosebumps. That is definitely a moment I will remember for a very long time. It gives you a boost; results like this and this feeling, you can't buy this feeling. It's an amazing feeling and you just want more. I think the goal now is to try to keep the same momentum and try to achieve more podiums, and hopefully maybe the first win, you never know in the future."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Antonelli became the third-youngest podium finisher in Formula 1 history Sunday. He was joined on the podium by teammate George Russell and Max Verstappen, who holds the record for youngest podium member ever. The teenage driver credited both for helping his journey along the way.</p><p>"Seeing what Max has done over the years, especially in his rookie years, was quite astonishing," Antonelli told theScore and other media. "So, definitely a model who I get inspired by. But at the end, getting to race with the other 19 best drivers on the grid is a great chance. Also, having someone like George as a teammate really helps you improve. It's also down to George this result, because he has helped me during this first part of the season to develop and push myself even further."</p><p>Verstappen also stated Antonelli's podium finish was "not a surprise" to him.</p><p>"I think what's impressive is he's naturally quick," the reigning champion said. "What I like is his level-headed, calm approach. Those are great qualities to have. I was never in doubt that the podium would come this year. He had a few unlucky races. One of them in the sprint was also my fault with the pit stop. But it was just a matter of time."</p><p>Verstappen continued: "I'm very happy that it happened for him. It gives you more confidence. It's a nice boost. And it will only get better. You're in your rookie season. There's so many things that will come at you. You learn from the weaker races, you learn from the good ones. In the coming years, for sure, we'll see a lot more of Kimi."</p><p>Antonelli's podium came after a tough triple-header in which he scored no points across races in Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona.</p><p>"This was the best way to bounce back," Antonelli said.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 15: Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Antonelli ecstatic about 1st podium: 'You can't buy this feeling'

MONTREAL - Lando Norris wasted no time in taking accountability after a crash with Oscar Piastri ...

<p>MONTREAL - Lando Norris wasted no time in taking accountability after a crash with Oscar Piastri left him unable to finish the Canadian Grand Prix and risked severe damage for his McLaren teammate.</p><p>"I just misjudged it," Norris told F1TV's broadcast after the race. "It was all my mistake. I take full blame and I apologize to my whole team and to Oscar for attempting something like that."</p><p>Norris added that he had made "a fool" of himself as a result of the incident.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"McLaren is my family, I race for them," Norris told media. "Every single weekend, I try and do well for them, more than I often try and do well for myself. So when I let them down like this, and when I make a fool of myself in a moment like today, yeah, I have a lot of regret in something like that."</p><p>Norris was on the tail of Piastri, who was in fourth, in the later stages of the race, and the tension boiled over when the British driver sent a move down the inside of his teammate at the hairpin on Lap 66. Piastri was able to get the position back on the back straight, but Norris attempted to re-pass on the pit straight and miscalculated how much room he had on the inside. He ended up hitting the back of his teammate and colliding with the wall.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Piastri and Norris come together in Canada! 😱<br><br>Here's the collision between the two McLarens 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CanadianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CanadianGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/sKo3GRQ63Q">pic.twitter.com/sKo3GRQ63Q</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1934333840014627278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The British driver quickly got on the radio after the crash to say it was all his fault. He later approached Piastri, who was able to finish fourth under safety car conditions, in the media zone to say sorry.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lando apologises to Oscar after their late-race collision 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CanadianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CanadianGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/sLq4EPC1u1">pic.twitter.com/sLq4EPC1u1</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1934341235130675310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also said he appreciated Norris' immediate accountability and noted that it wouldn't change McLaren's racing rules. </p><p>"This situation is a situation that we know is not acceptable," Stella said. "At the same time, we appreciate that Lando immediately owned it."</p><p>Stella added: "It doesn't change things because it's a misjudgement. It's just a misjudgement to the proximity of the car ahead. If Lando had a different reaction, then there would have been certainly serious conversations to (be) had."</p><p>Piastri expanded his lead in the drivers' standings to 22 points over Norris due to the latter's retirement from the race. </p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 15: Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren looks down after crashing out of the race during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Norris takes full blame for collision with Piastri: I made 'a fool of myself'

MONTREAL - Qualifying alongside George Russell on the front row at the Canadian Grand Prix has fu...

<p>MONTREAL - Qualifying alongside George Russell on the front row at the Canadian Grand Prix has furthered talk of Max Verstappen's 11 penalty points, but the reigning world champion says he's fed up with speaking about it.</p><p>"I don't need to hear it again," Verstappen, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3299550" href="https://thescore.com/news/3299550">will start second</a>, said Saturday during the post-qualifying news conference. "It's really pissing me off. You speaking about it ... it's such a waste of time. It's very childish. That's why I also don't want to say too much because it's really annoying."</p><p>Verstappen received three penalty points after crashing into Russell at the last race in Barcelona, putting him one point away from a race ban. Verstappen took responsibility for the incident in an Instagram post a day after the Barcelona race, which surprised Russell, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3299439" href="https://thescore.com/news/3299439">said</a> Thursday that was not like the Red Bull pilot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Verstappen added Thursday, "I'm just going to race like I always do," according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/max-verstappen-f1-canadian-grand-prix-c809ec35664b3575697374a4fb58e29c">Jenna Fryer of The Associated Press</a>.</p><p>Russell poked fun at the incident after qualifying on pole in Montreal.</p><p>"We're mates, it's all good," the Mercedes driver quipped. "I've got a few more points on my license to play with."</p><p>It's the second consecutive year that Russell and Verstappen will start the Canadian Grand Prix first and second, respectively.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 14: Second placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Pole position qualifier George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team in the Drivers Press Conference during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Verstappen: Questions about penalty points, Russell 'pissing me off'

MONTREAL - George Russell will start on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutiv...

<p>MONTREAL - George Russell will start on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive season.</p><p>It will be an identical front row as last year's event as Russell will line up alongside Max Verstappen, who held pole until the Mercedes driver snatched it away near the end of the session. Russell is the first non-McLaren and Red Bull driver to qualify on pole in grand prix format this season.</p><p>Russell called the lap the "probably the most exhilarating" one of his career, noting that he had goosebumps at the end of it.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I just felt in such a rhythm, and crossing the line, when you do a lap like that, to get pole position afterward as well, was just insane," Russell explained in the post-qualifying press conference. "I had goosebumps in that moment. I don't think I've ever had goosebumps after a pole position or a good result. That one meant a lot to me."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Canadian GP qualifying 🇨🇦" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-JEYYR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JEYYR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="854" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Russell and Verstappen were involved in a collision at the last race at the Spanish Grand Prix after the Red Bull pilot crashed into him. However, Verstappen, who is one penalty point away from a race ban, shut down questions about the incident in the post-qualifying press conference.</p><p>"I don't need to hear it again," Verstappen said. "It's really pissing me off. You speaking about it ... it's such a waste of time. It's very childish. That's why I also don't want to say too much because it's really annoying."</p><p>Russell and Verstappen did their final push laps in Q3 on the medium tire while championship leader Oscar Piastri, who qualified third, opted to use the soft tire for his last lap.</p><p>Lando Norris struggled in the Q3 session, making a mistake at the final corner on his first lap. He could only muster up enough for seventh on his last push lap.</p><p>Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, Nico Hulkenberg, Oliver Bearman, and Esteban Ocon were eliminated in Q2. Tsunoda qualified 11th but will start 20th after receiving a 10-place grid penalty for overtaking Piastri under red flag conditions in the third practice session. Meanwhile, Colapinto outqualified Pierre Gasly for the first time this season and slotted in 12th, his best result of the year.</p><p>Gabriel Bortoleto, Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, and Gasly were eliminated in Q1. However, Sainz was impeded by Isack Hadjar on his final Q1 lap, leading to the Racing Bulls driver being dropped from ninth to 12th after a three-place grid penalty.</p><p>Alex Albon caused a red flag in Q1 after the bodywork around his engine cover blew off his car and left debris on the back straight. However, Williams repaired his car and he qualified 10th.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 14: Summer McIntosh presents Pole position qualifier George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team with his Pirelli Pole Position award during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Russell qualifies on pole at Canadian GP for 2nd straight year

MONTREAL - Alpine acting team principal Flavio Briatore isn't the only one optimistic about the f...

<p>MONTREAL - Alpine acting team principal Flavio Briatore isn't the only one optimistic about the future, as team driver Pierre Gasly also believes the French outfit could make a big leap in 2026 when Formula 1 ushers in new regulations.</p><p>"One hundred percent," Gasly told theScore at the Canadian Grand Prix.</p><p>"At the moment, you got the top four: McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes - they are just a step ahead of the midfield. It will take quite a bit of time to close the gap. I think starting from a brand new page, like with this regulation, it just gives much bigger opportunity and potentially much bigger rewards for any team for next year."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Briatore <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293189" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293189">said</a> in May that he expects Alpine to collect wins in 2026 and hopes to be in title contention in 2027, an ambitious outlook for a team that's won one race since 2021.</p><p>Much of the hopefulness stems from a fresh start under new chassis, aerodynamic, and engine regulations, plus Alpine's decision to ditch its Renault engine for a Mercedes power unit starting next year. However, Gasly warned that "there's no guarantee" Mercedes will have the best engine despite its successful track record.</p><p>The 29-year-old added that he's encouraged by what he's seen from the factory so far but acknowledged that the pecking order won't be revealed until the first tests next season.</p><p>"The focus has got to be there," Gasly said. "I think we are in good shape. I'm happy the way the guys are working in the factory. Everybody is very full of confidence, optimism, and motivation to really get the car in a great place for next year. But at the same time, we won't have the answer until we put the car down. It's such a big change, trying it in the simulator, it's such a massive change."</p><p>Alpine enters the Canadian Grand Prix sitting last in the constructors' standings with 11 points, all scored by Gasly.</p>

Pierre Gasly participates in the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada 2025 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada, on June 12, 2025.

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Alpine's Gasly '100%' shares Briatore's optimism for 2026

MONTREAL - Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur went on the offensive against Italian media Friday...

<p>MONTREAL - Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur went on the offensive against Italian media Friday after recent reports suggested his job and others could be under scrutiny.</p><p>"It's not about me," Vasseur told media, including theScore, when asked about the public support from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. </p><p>He added, "At one stage, we have to consider that the people on every single team on the grid, they are all working very hard. They are putting all of their energy. Sometimes they're doing some sacrifice for their family. To put names like this on the paper, I think it's very, very harsh. You have to understand that when (a) journalist is saying that Ferrari will recruit this name for this position, there is someone who is in this position. And then Sunday evening, the guy will say, 'Okay, tomorrow morning, I won't have a job anymore because if what is in the newspaper is true, I will have someone in my position.' And it's the same for all the group working for the guy.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We are in this situation on a daily basis now in Italy, and too much is too much."</p><p>Vasseur labelled the speculation from media as "disrespectful" and said that it's negatively affecting the team's focus. </p><p>"I don't know the target, I don't understand the target," Vasseur said of the media. "Perhaps it's to give shit to the team, but in this case, I don't see the point. Perhaps it's for them the only way to exist. This is probably more the reason.</p><p>"It's really hurting the team. At one stage, it's a lack of focus, and when you are fighting for the championship, every single detail makes the difference. From the beginning of the weekend, we are just speaking about this. If it's their target to put the team in this situation, they've reached their goal. It's not like this we will be able to win a championship and at least not with these kinds of journalists around us."</p><p>Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, reports from Italy suggested that Vasseur could be in jeopardy of being sacked for 2026 due to a disappointing 2025 campaign.</p><p>Hamilton came out to support his boss Thursday, telling media that the reports are "nonsense" and that "most people don't know what's going on in the background."</p><p>Ferrari is second in the constructors' race but already 197 points behind McLaren. The Scuderia haven't won a championship since it captured the constructors' title in 2008.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 13: Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 13, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Vasseur: Rumors from Italian media about job security are 'too much'

MONTREAL - Williams is striving to return to the front in the coming years, but team principal Ja...

<p>MONTREAL - Williams is striving to return to the front in the coming years, but team principal James Vowles isn't discounting the possibility of an unexpected podium in 2025.</p><p>"I believe that a lucky podium could happen, but it's not what I want as a podium," Vowles told theScore on Friday. "I want to earn the podium because we've deserved it based on performance and pace. I think deserving it based on performance is very unlikely (in 2025). I think a lucky podium, it's got a small probability. It's not zero, which perhaps it once was years before. And it will mean the world to me when we do that."</p><p>He added: "But I'm looking forward to the day when you ask me the question of when's the first win coming and when is the first championship coming? Those are the steps that I look forward (to)."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williams is off to its best start through nine races since 2016. The team enters the Canadian Grand Prix with 54 points, slotting the outfit as the "best of the rest" behind McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull. In each of the previous two seasons, at least five teams appeared on the podium. Williams has itched close this year, with Alex Albon finishing fifth three times.</p><p>"When I joined in '23, I found an individual who was a little bit battered and bruised to be completely truthful," Vowles said of Albon. "He grew quite a bit in '23. He grew in '24 but made a big, big step, '24 to '25. What you see today is a human who's not making mistakes on weekends, just focused on what he wants to achieve, really good feedback, really good way of bringing engineers along the journey with him, as well, at the same time. And yet he does all that without hiding any information from Carlos (Sainz). In fact, quite the opposite."</p><p>Vowles credited the Albon-Sainz tandem for Williams' progress. He noted that while the pair approaches things from different angles, their feedback is aligned.</p><p>"Alex approaches it from 'I'm driving this way.' Carlos approaches it from, 'Have a look at the data here. This is going on.' Those two combined actually give us a huge strength to find what we're looking for," Vowles said. "I'm confident, very confident, one of the reasons why this car has moved forward is we have two drivers working together."</p><p>Despite the car's progress, Vowles added that Williams didn't put much focus on 2025 as it quickly swapped in the 2026 car in the wind tunnel in early January. Vowles, who previously <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3098335" href="https://thescore.com/news/3098335">told</a> theScore the team aims to fight for wins by 2028, said prioritizing future gains was an "easy" one.</p><p>"The difference between this year and next year is a clean sheet of paper. We can tear everything up that we've ever known and start again from scratch, and that really excites me. It's an opportunity to get rid of 10 to 15 years' worth of items that I couldn't with this year's car," Vowles said.</p><p>"I love that we're moving forward. I love what it means to the team. But the only way we're going to go forward again from here is to keep going on this aggressive pathway. So it's one of the easiest decisions I've had to make."</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 13: James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams arrives in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 13, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Williams' Vowles sees chance for 'lucky' podium in 2025

MONTREAL - Lewis Hamilton dismissed rumors that Ferrari could be looking to sack team principal F...

<p>MONTREAL - Lewis Hamilton dismissed rumors that Ferrari could be looking to sack team principal Fred Vasseur, calling them "nonsense" and saying "most people don’t know what’s going on in the background."</p><p>"It's definitely not nice to hear that there are stories like that out there," Hamilton told reporters during Thursday's news conference at the Canadian Grand Prix. "Firstly, I love working with Fred. Fred's the main reason I'm in this team and I got the opportunity to be here – for which I'm forever grateful. We're in this together."</p><p>Reports Thursday coming from Italy suggested Vasseur's job could be in jeopardy for 2026. Vasseur and Ferrari appeared to be building momentum after a 2024 season in which the Italian team finished just 14 points off McLaren for the constructors' title. However, expectations for 2025 haven't matched reality.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ferrari is second in the constructors race but already 197 points behind McLaren. Despite the setback, Hamilton said he believes Vasseur is "the person to take us to the top."</p><p>"To me, it's all nonsense what people have written," Hamilton explained. "Most people don't know what’s going on in the background. It isn’t all easy, like, it's not the smoothest sailing. We are having to make changes and there's a lot of work to do. Naturally there's a lot of pressure because we want to win, but that's not any part of the discussion at the moment."</p><p>He added: "I'm here to win with Fred. He has my full support."</p><p>The seven-time world champion, who is in his first season with Ferrari after 12 years with Mercedes, was also combative against talk that he could stop racing in the near future.</p><p>"I'm here for several years, and I'm here for the long haul," Hamilton said. "There's no question where my head's at and what I'm working towards achieving with this team. So, there's zero doubts. Please stop making stuff up."</p><p>Thursday's rumors about Vasseur come after buzz last month that Ferrari was courting Christian Horner, though the Red Bull team boss responded by reiterating his commitment to his current team.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 12: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari speaks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Hamilton: Rumors about Ferrari replacing Vasseur are 'nonsense'

MONTREAL - George Russell says he was caught off guard by Max Verstappen's reaction after the rei...

<p>MONTREAL - George Russell says he was caught off guard by Max Verstappen's reaction after the reigning champion crashed into him at the Spanish Grand Prix.</p><p>"I was a bit surprised to see him taking responsibility," Russell said Thursday. "It was quite unlike him."</p><p>Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for the incident. He said a day later that frustration had gotten the better of him and the move was "not right and shouldn't have happened."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Russell said he saw the Red Bull superstar earlier this week at the airport, though they didn't discuss the collision.</p><p>"Look, there's nothing from my side we need to talk about," the Mercedes driver said. "Had I been taken out of the race, I'd be feeling very differently for sure. Ultimately, his actions benefited me (and) cost him. I should say, 'Thanks.'"</p><p>Some pundits called for Verstappen's disqualification, but Russell felt the penalty fit the crime.</p><p>"I want to believe that he didn't intentionally try to crash into me because that would be pretty bonkers," Russell said. "I think he just tried to show who was boss and put his elbows out and just got it wrong."</p><p>He added: "I think anything more of a penalty than what he received would have been a bit much, but that all depends if it was intentionally or not."</p><p>Verstappen enters the Canadian Grand Prix one penalty point away from a race ban.</p>

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing and George Russell of Mercedes after the qualifying ahead of the Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy on May 17, 2025.

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Russell 'surprised' Verstappen took responsibility for crash

MONTREAL - The 2025 season hasn't been a pleasant one for Aston Martin, but there will be higher ...

<p>MONTREAL - The 2025 season hasn't been a pleasant one for Aston Martin, but there will be higher expectations in 2026 thanks to the arrival of former Red Bull engineer Adrian Newey.</p><p>"Obviously, a lot of the motivation we have (going) into next year is thanks to him," Fernando Alonso told theScore on Thursday. "With all the difficulties we have this year and the problems that we are facing now, to have him on board and looking at next year's car is giving us enough confidence to really look forward to doing these things. The expectation will be high and will be new for everybody."</p><p>Newey - who designed a multitude of championship cars for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull - officially began working at Aston Martin in March. While the team previously said Newey's main focus will be on the 2026 regulation changes, Alonso cautions that the team still has issues to tackle in 2025 that will better them next year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We are optimistic but with (our) feet on the ground," the Spaniard said. "We know how far behind we are now. We need to somehow find a little bit of performance on this year's car and be better as a team. Even if we have a fast car now, there are a couple areas we need to keep improving. We are trying to use the 2025 season to tackle all those problems and be ready for him."</p><p>Alonso, who stood on the podium with Newey after Max Verstappen's win for Red Bull at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, has seen Aston Martin regress in each of the two seasons since then. The squad is tied for eighth in the standings, and Alonso scored his first points of the season in Barcelona earlier this month.</p><p>"It's tough," Alonso added. "It's tougher (for us) than some of our opponents. They are not happy because they only finished three or four times on the podium this year. We are fighting to get out of Q1."</p><p>Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell also noted earlier Thursday that the 43-year-old has been keen to ensure the outfit prioritizes long-term gains.</p><p>"Every time I chat to Fernando about this year's car, he gives me that look of, 'You're not compromising next year, are you?'" Cowell told the media. "And he checks the look in my eyes. I said, 'No, no, no, no, it helps for next year.' I've mentioned 2027 and 2028, but we're determined to do our absolute best for 2026."</p>

SILVERSTONE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team, Adrian Newey, Lawrence Stroll, Owner, Aston Martin F1 Team, and Lance Stroll, Aston Martin F1 Team at a press conference at Aston Martin Headquarters on September 10, 2024 in Silverstone, England.

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Alonso: Newey arrival leading cause of motivation for 2026

We chatted with former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley in Montreal at Explorance World about the ...

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Ex-McLaren mechanic Priestley talks Canadian GP, title fight, Hamilton

Formula 1 is back in Canada this weekend at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal. McLaren co...

<p>Formula 1 is back in Canada this weekend at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal. McLaren comes into the event as the favorite to win, but the Canadian Grand Prix has thrown a series of curveballs at drivers and teams in recent years.</p><p>Here are five things to watch for at the 2025 edition.</p><h3>McLaren's next test</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789725/cropped_GettyImages-2217525988.jpg?ts=1749566648" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789725/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217525988.jpg?ts=1749566648 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789725/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217525988.jpg?ts=1749566648 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789725/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217525988.jpg?ts=1749566648 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789725/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217525988.jpg?ts=1749566648 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789725/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217525988.jpg?ts=1749566648 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>McLaren took the scare out of the first real bogeyman of the 2025 F1 season: the new front-wing technical directive in Barcelona. A one-two result in qualifying and on the podium left its rivals dejected. But while McLaren aced that test, perhaps Montreal will present a new challenge for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who should be considered the favorites in the MCL39.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While hotter temperatures tend to exaggerate McLaren's advantage, especially in tire preservation, the superiority of the reigning constructors' champion has diminished as the track temperature cools. The weather at the Montreal circuit has been unpredictable in recent years, with a cold front, rain, and sunny skies all making appearances. In the 2024 race plagued by mixed conditions, McLaren was in the running for victory, but Mercedes and the Red Bull of Max Verstappen also challenged (and, in Verstappen's case, won). Will the weather get in McLaren's way again? At least the car's excellent traction should shine.</p><h3>Max Verstappen's driving etiquette </h3><p>The last time we saw Verstappen in the paddock, he'd been freshly handed three penalty points for causing a collision with George Russell. The reigning four-time world champion now sits at 11 penalty points after his frustrations got the better of him in Barcelona - one point away from a full race ban.</p><p>Verstappen will have to be extra vigilant during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend. None of his penalty points expire until after the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of June. He'll presumably drive more cautiously in the meantime - and that could also cost him. Drivers are at their best near the limit, but Verstappen can't afford to flirt with finding the boundaries for the upcoming races.</p><h3>Can Lewis Hamilton find his mojo?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789726/cropped_GettyImages-2217615015.jpg?ts=1749566705" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789726/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217615015.jpg?ts=1749566705 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789726/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217615015.jpg?ts=1749566705 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789726/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217615015.jpg?ts=1749566705 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789726/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217615015.jpg?ts=1749566705 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789726/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217615015.jpg?ts=1749566705 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The seven-time world champion is off to an awkward start at Ferrari. Hamilton's dealt with a lack of comfort in the car, scrutiny over his relationship with his race engineer, some minor team-order drama, and a general lack of pace. However, if there's one track that might be able to remedy Hamilton's issues - even for just one weekend - it's Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.</p><p>Montreal has been Hamilton's stomping ground. Not only did he record his first career pole and victory at the Canadian track, he also shares the record for most wins (seven) and poles (six) at the circuit with Michael Schumacher. Excluding retirements, Hamilton has 10 podiums in his 12 Montreal race finishes and has never finished outside the top five. He also owns a brilliant 12-3 record when it comes to out-qualifying his teammates.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Span</th>
<th> Driver</th>
<th> Qualifying Record</th>
<th> Driver</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2007</td>
<td> Lewis Hamilton</td>
<td> 1-0</td>
<td> Fernando Alonso</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2008</td>
<td> Lewis Hamilton</td>
<td> 1-0</td>
<td> Heikki Kovalainen</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2010-2012</td>
<td> Lewis Hamilton</td>
<td> 3-0</td>
<td> Jenson Button</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2013-2016</td>
<td> Lewis Hamilton</td>
<td> 3-1</td>
<td> Nico Rosberg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2017-2019</td>
<td> Lewis Hamilton</td>
<td> 2-1</td>
<td> Valtteri Bottas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022-2024</td>
<td> Lewis Hamilton</td>
<td> 2-1</td>
<td> George Russell</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Williams rebound</h3><p>No team has stormed out to more unexpected success this season than Williams. The rejuvenated outfit lost some of its momentum at the Spanish Grand Prix, though, where it was unable to capture points for just the second time this year. Williams had warned that Barcelona would be a difficult circuit for its car well in advance. Bouncing back this weekend would revive a lot of optimism around the team's 2025 package and quickly reduce Barcelona to an outlier. The good news for Williams is Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz seem to do well in Montreal: The former made Q3 in each of the last two years, and the latter picked up a podium in 2022.</p><h3>Fernando Alonso's Canadian renaissance</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789727/cropped_GettyImages-2156691658.jpg?ts=1749566758" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789727/w220xh124_GettyImages-2156691658.jpg?ts=1749566758 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789727/w320xh180_GettyImages-2156691658.jpg?ts=1749566758 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789727/w640xh360_GettyImages-2156691658.jpg?ts=1749566758 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789727/w768xh432_GettyImages-2156691658.jpg?ts=1749566758 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789727/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2156691658.jpg?ts=1749566758 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Canada has been the fountain of youth for the 43-year-old Alonso. The Spaniard started on the front row in Montreal in 2023 with Aston Martin and incredibly in 2022 as well despite driving an Alpine at the time. That makes him and Verstappen the only drivers with multiple front-row starts at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve since it returned to the calendar in 2022.</p><p>Alonso's mastery of Montreal plus his recent run of form could foreshadow another superb performance in front of the Canadian fans. In a difficult Aston Martin car, the two-time champion has made three consecutive Q3 appearances, and he scored his first points of the season at his home race in Barcelona earlier in June.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JUNE 09: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 09, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec.

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5 things to watch for at the Canadian Grand Prix

Aaron Rodgers described the decision to continue playing football as one that came from the soul ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> described the decision to continue playing football as one that came from the soul and added that Mike Tomlin was a primary reason for him being drawn to the Pittsburgh Steelers.</p><p>"A big attraction was Mike Tomlin," Rodgers <a href="https://x.com/steelers/status/1932518669310894364">said</a> Tuesday after his first minicamp with his new team. "I've gone against him over the years. The way that the conversations went between him and I (prior to the signing) ... was some of the coolest conversations I've had in the game - definitely with a head coach. He's a big reason I'm here. I believe in him and excited to play for him."</p><p>The Steelers signed Rodgers to a one-year, $13.65-million contract that could be worth up to $19.5 million. The two sides expressed interest throughout the offseason but didn't iron out a deal until Saturday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I don't need it (football). For my ego, I don't need ... to keep playing," Rodgers said. "A lot of decisions that I've made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling. So, this was a decision that was best for my soul."</p><p>The Steelers will be Rodgers' third stop in his career. He spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets, though they lacked success. He tore his Achilles four snaps into his Jets debut in 2023, and his 2024 comeback season ended with 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 5-12 record.</p><p>Rodgers added that he spoke with multiple organizations but that the Steelers were the only option for him.</p><p>The 10-time Pro Bowler sits atop a depth chart that consists of <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/83531">Mason Rudolph</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174124">Skylar Thompson</a>, and sixth-round rookie <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210204">Will Howard</a>. Pittsburgh lost its two quarterbacks who started for the franchise in 2024, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161671" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161671">Justin Fields</a> signing with the New York Jets and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a> joining the New York Giants.</p><p>Rodgers, 41, spent the first 18 years of his career with the Green Bay Packers. He won his only Super Bowl against his current team, leading the Packers to a 31-25 victory over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.</p><p>The future Hall of Famer has been named league MVP four times and has totaled 503 touchdowns and 116 interceptions.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 10: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 10, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Rodgers: Tomlin was big reason for signing with Steelers

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris isn't concerned that Kirk Cousins could be a distraction...

<p>Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris isn't concerned that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> could be a distraction to starting quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix Jr.</a> after the veteran arrived to mandatory minicamp.</p><p>"Kirk is not in the business of disrupting Michael Penix," Morris said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45485701/falcons-raheem-morris-not-worried-kirk-cousins-disrupting-michael-penix-jr">ESPN's Marc Raimondi</a>.</p><p>Cousins has been at a stalemate with the franchise this offseason. The veteran reportedly prefers a fresh start, though the organization has publicly said it has no problem keeping Cousins as a backup. Atlanta <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3291875" href="https://thescore.com/news/3291875">reportedly</a> wants any team interested to offset a portion of Cousins' $37.5 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite the lack of resolution, Morris says it hasn't been much of an issue for the team. </p><p>"It's been less dramatic of a situation as it has been from an outside-of-the-building standpoint," the coach added.</p><p>Cousins, who inked a four-year, $180-million contract with the Falcons last offseason, went 7-7 as a starter and threw 18 touchdowns and a league-high 16 interceptions. He was benched for the Falcons' final three games.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 3: Kirk Cousins #18 and Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons take the field to warm up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Falcons' Morris: Cousins won't disrupt Penix

Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson is not attending mandatory minicamp as the star h...

<p>Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72083" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72083">Trey Hendrickson</a> is not attending mandatory minicamp as the star hasn't received the new contract he wants, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1932418099141107889">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><p>Hendrickson is subject to fines totalling just over $100,000 if he misses all three days of mandatory minicamp, according to <a href="https://x.com/FieldYates/status/1932418440024784973">ESPN's Field Yates</a>.</p><p>The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his deal, which will pay him $16 million.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hendrickson has not been shy about his discontent with the Bengals' front office. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3285319" href="https://thescore.com/news/3285319">said</a> in May that he wasn't going to apologize for the "rates of the defensive ends being paid" in the league and said the contract drama has "become personal" due to a lack of communication.</p><p>He added that the Bengals are pushing for a short-term deal, which he equated to "just kicking the can down the road."</p><p>Hendrickson was given permission to look for a trade in March while the Bengals tried to extend him.</p><p>Cleveland Browns pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87669" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87669">Myles Garrett</a> reset the market at the position this offseason after signing a four-year, $160-million extension. His $40 million average annual salary is $4.4 million higher than that of the next closest edge defender in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/60658" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/60658">Danielle Hunter</a> ($35.6 million AAV), per <a href="https://overthecap.com/position/edge-rusher">Over The Cap</a>.</p><p>Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last season with 17.5. It was his second straight 17.5-sack campaign. </p>

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 3: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts during the second half of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Report: Bengals' Hendrickson not attending mandatory minicamp

Formula 1 revealed its 24-race calendar for the 2026 season on Tuesday, which includes a debut da...

<p>Formula 1 revealed its 24-race calendar for the 2026 season on Tuesday, which includes a debut date for the new circuit in Madrid.</p><p>Madrid will take place at the end of the European leg, with the circuit hosting its first F1 grand prix weekend from Sept. 11-13.</p><p>With Madrid's inclusion, Imola has been left off the schedule. The Italian circuit has hosted five races since returning to the calendar in 2020, though its contract expires after the 2025 season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 2026 campaign will begin with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8 and finish in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 6.</p><p>The Canadian Grand Prix will also take place in May for the first time: The Montreal race on May 24 will clash with the Indianapolis 500. With the Canadian Grand Prix moving earlier, the Monaco Grand Prix will now take place from June 5-7.</p><p>Zandvoort will also host its last grand prix weekend in 2026 - the circuit has already announced it would fall off the calendar after next season.</p><p>The schedule features three races in the United States (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas) and two races in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid).</p><p>There are only two triple-headers in 2026, both at the end of the race calendar.</p><p>The full 2026 schedule is below:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2026 F1 Schedule" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Rsunr" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Rsunr/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="853" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>

Drivers compete during the 2025 Formula One Spanish Grand Prix at the Catalunya Circuit in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, June 1, 2025.

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F1 releases 2026 calendar: Madrid debuts, Imola dropped

The Green Bay Packers released star cornerback Jaire Alexander, the team announced Monday.  The P...

<p>The Green Bay Packers released star cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94616" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94616">Jaire Alexander</a>, the team announced Monday.</p><p>The Packers and Alexander spent much of the offseason evaluating their options, as a potential trade and restructured contract were on the table before the release.</p><p>It was reported in May that Green Bay offered a restructured contract to Alexander, who had two years left on a four-year, $84-million extension he signed in 2022.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback was slated to earn a base salary of $16.15 million in 2025. However, the final two years of his contract contained no guaranteed money.</p><p>Alexander, 28, has battled injuries in recent years. He played seven games or less in three of his last four seasons.</p><p>"He has been a great player for us," Packers president Mark Murphy said Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/SchroederWBAY/status/1932068821185011946">Dave Schroeder of WBAY-TV</a>. "Obviously, elite talent. Unfortunately, just injured a lot.”</p><p>When healthy, Alexander was a key part of the Packers' defense. His best season came in 2022 when he recorded a career-high five interceptions across 16 starts.</p>

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on August 18, 2024 in Denver, CO.

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Packers release Jaire Alexander

Four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-yea...

<p>Four-time MVP quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Financial terms of the contract haven't been announced, and the deal is pending a physical.</p><p>Rodgers will fly to Pittsburgh on Friday and sign his pact before next week's minicamp, where he's expected to be on the field, according to <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1930704736929374368">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Contract parameters have been in place for months, Pelissero adds.</p><p>The Steelers had been waiting on Rodgers' decision since he visited the team facility in March. Head coach Mike Tomlin previously said there was no deadline. Rodgers had reportedly made the Steelers confident he would eventually join but was delayed by dealing with personal matters, and the front office was fully supportive, according to <a href="https://x.com/JayGlazer/status/1930709386323980550">Fox Sports' Jay Glazer</a>.</p><p>The 10-time Pro Bowler will immediately elevate a Steelers quarterback room that featured only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/83531" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/83531">Mason Rudolph</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174124" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174124">Skylar Thompson</a>, and sixth-round rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210204" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210204">Will Howard</a>.</p><p>Rodgers' first opponent as a member of the Steelers will be his former team, the New York Jets, in Week 1. The Jets will be quarterbacked by ex-Steeler <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161671" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161671">Justin Fields</a>, making it the NFL's first ever season-opening game between starting passers who swapped teams they started for the previous season, according to <a href="https://x.com/RichCimini/status/1930706303640613006">ESPN's Rich Cimini</a>. The veteran will have another revenge matchup versus the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.</p><p>Rodgers spent two disappointing years with the Jets before they released him this offseason. He tore his Achilles four snaps into his 2023 season debut with the club and returned in 2024, but he could only muster a 5-12 record with 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Rodgers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269607" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269607">said</a> the organization made him fly from California to New York only to inform him of his release "20 seconds in" to the conversation.</p><p>The 41-year-old signal-caller's resume features 62,952 yards, 503 touchdowns, and 116 interceptions across his career. Rodgers won his only championship against the Steelers, a 31-25 Packers victory in Super Bowl XLV in which he threw for three touchdowns and no interceptions.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.