Antonelli Tops Canadian GP Practice as Albon's Session Ends With Groundhog Strike

Kimi Antonelli topped the timesheets in Friday's practice session at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, completing a Mercedes one-two alongside teammate George Russell as Formula 1 returned to Canada on 22 May 2026. The session, however, ended poorly for Alex Albon after the Williams driver struck a groundhog that had wandered onto the track, bringing an early conclusion to his running.

The 18-year-old Italian driver's pace was the standout story of the afternoon programme. Antonelli, in his sophomore Formula 1 season, outpaced both Russell and the chasing Red Bull of Max Verstappen across the long-run simulations that teams prioritise on a Friday. The Montreal circuit, with its long straights and heavy braking zones, presented a different challenge to last month's Miami Grand Prix, and Antonelli adapted quickly to a track that rewards mechanical grip and committed kerb-riding.

For Mercedes, the session offered encouraging data. The W16 has shown race-winning pace across multiple circuits this season, but Montreal's distinctive character—14 corners, three DRS zones, and a surface prone to marbles off the racing line—provides a useful stress test for tyre management and aerodynamic efficiency. Russell finished second, roughly three-tenths off his teammate, suggesting the car is dialed in for Saturday's qualifying simulation runs.

Albon's Unfortunate Incident

Albon's practice session ended prematurely when the Williams FW47 struck a groundhog near the exit of the final chicane. The impact damaged the car's floor and front wing, forcing the team to bring him back to the garage for repairs. The session was not red-flagged, but Albon was unable to complete his scheduled long-run programme.

"The animal appeared suddenly, and there was no time to react," the team confirmed in a brief statement. "Alex is unharmed, but the car requires attention before FP3."

Wildlife incidents are not uncommon at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The island circuit sits adjacent to parkland, and previous Canadian Grand Prix weekends have featured geese, rabbits, and other fauna wandering onto the track boundaries. Race control has protocols for such situations, but the transient nature of small animals makes prevention difficult.

Championship Bearings

Verstappen finished third overall, with Lando Norris close behind in fourth. The Red Bull driver reported brake temperature concerns during his long runs, a recurring issue the team has struggled to resolve definitively this season. Norris, driving for McLaren, showed improved pace compared to recent rounds, suggesting the Woking outfit may be closer to the front than in the Imola weekend where the MCL39 visibly struggled on kerb-heavy layouts.

Charles Leclerc completed the top five for Ferrari, with the Scuderia appearing to have resolved the rear-end instability that plagued their package in the opening rounds. Leclerc's teammate Carlos Sainz finished eighth, sandwiching the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll.

Oscar Piastri, who trails Norris by 23 points in the drivers' standings after five rounds, finished seventh. The Australian has shown strong single-lap pace this season but has struggled to convert it into race results when fighting at the front.

What Comes Next

Saturday's FP3 session begins at 11:30 local time, with qualifying scheduled for 15:00. The forecast predicts dry conditions for both sessions, removing any wildcard from the schedule and placing a premium on track position from the get-go.

Antonelli's pace will invite scrutiny of whether Mercedes can genuinely challenge for pole position, a feat they achieved in Miami before Russell collided with Kimi's teammate midway through the race. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve rewards precision—walls line the track on three sides, and a mistake at the chicane sequence or the hairpin costs significant lap time.

For Albon, the groundhog strike complicates a weekend already requiring strong results. Williams sits sixth in the constructors' championship, nine points clear of Alpine, but the team has not scored in either of the past two rounds. Every lap of FP3 will carry added value as the team seeks to recover lost data from Friday.

The sources for this article do not include direct quotes from Antonelli or Albon. Team statements and timing data from the session form the basis of the reporting above. Additional driver availability will be confirmed following Saturday's media pen obligations.

This desk reported the Antonelli-Russell Mercedes one-two as the primary story, with the Albon groundhog incident as a secondary narrative. The BBC wire led with both simultaneously; Monexus weighted the sporting significance accordingly.