WEEKEND WARM-UP: Verstappen vs Russell, McLaren’s intra-team battle and Stroll’s return in Canada

After a week off to recharge the batteries, the Formula 1 fraternity has swapped Europe for North America – drivers and teams gearing up for what promises to be another action-packed weekend in Canada.

A host of talking points were whizzing up and down the paddock at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Thursday, headlined by Max Verstappen and George Russell’s clash at the Spanish Grand Prix last time out.

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Russell revealed that he and Verstappen bumped into each other at the airport following that controversial moment, with the Mercedes man noting his “surprise” at the Red Bull driver for later “taking responsibility”.

Elsewhere, just 10 points separate McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings, with both assessing their chances of emerging victorious this weekend.

There’s also good news for the home crowd in Montreal, with Lance Stroll making a comeback after sitting out the Barcelona race a fortnight ago and having surgery on his wrist.

Hit go on the video player above to join Laura Winter, Lawrence Barretto and Davide Valsecchi as they discuss all of these talking points and more heading into the weekend.