F1 Canadian GP Free Practice: Antonelli Leads as Alonso Shows Promise

Kimi Antonelli led the free practice sessions for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on May 22, 2026, positioning himself at the top of the standings during the initial tests of the weekend.

The performance by Antonelli and Mercedes has been described as a first warning to the rest of the grid, signaling a strong competitive pace for the team as they begin the event in Canada.

For Antonelli, the sessions in Montreal represent a significant test of professional maturity, as he manages the pressures of leading the field in a high-stakes environment.

Mercedes Internal Dynamics

The practice results highlighted a competitive internal struggle within Mercedes, as George Russell was unable to outperform his teammate Antonelli during the sessions.

While Russell remains a key figure in the team’s strategy, the early pace established by Antonelli suggests a shift in momentum during the lead-up to the main events of the Grand Prix.

Alonso and Sainz Performance

Fernando Alonso showed promising signs of improvement, securing a position within the top ten during the free practice sessions.

These results are viewed as positive indicators for Alonso’s current form, suggesting a potential recovery in performance as the weekend progresses.

Carlos Sainz also featured in the classification for the Montreal sessions, contributing to the overall results as teams fine-tune their setups for the Canadian circuit.

Challenges for Colapinto

Not all drivers found success during the initial runs in Montreal. Colapinto encountered various problems during the free practice sessions, hindering his ability to match the pace of the front-runners.

The technical issues faced by Colapinto will likely be a primary focus for his team as they attempt to resolve the setbacks before the competitive phases of the Grand Prix begin.