By Graham Duxbury @TheRealDux

The Canadian Grand Prix turned out to be a dream weekend for Mercedes, with George Russell delivering a commanding drive to claim victory and young rookie Kimi Antonelli securing his first-ever Formula One podium.

It was a result that not only lifted team morale but also suggested that Mercedes may finally be on the right path after a challenging start to the season. A key talking point in the paddock was the performance of the team’s much-discussed new suspension system, which had been removed from the cars for Monaco and Spain.

In Montreal, however, the system was reintroduced, and it appears to have played a significant role in transforming the W16’s handling, perhaps aided by the circuit’s smooth tarmac and low speed corners, which do not stress the tyres, as Russell explained.

That said, thanks to higher race-day ambient and track temperatures, Russel was expecting more tyre overheating – and degradation. But, in reality, on Sunday, the racetrack suited the strengths of the Mercedes cars.

Post-race, the Mercedes drivers praised their cars’ improved stability, pre-planned tyre management, and the team’s strategic decisions which were well executed.

The big question now is whether this suspension upgrade, once doubted and even temporarily shelved, will finally give Mercedes the consistency they have been seeking in future, starting with the Austrian GP in a fortnight.