Canadian Grand Prix – Qualifications: George Russell on pole after a crazy scenario

Q1:

Despite a light shower that occurred just before the start of the session, the twenty drivers set off on a track declared dry. Taking into account the uncertain weather conditions, everyone goes out to set the fastest lap possible. For the first time this weekend, the single-seaters fully maximize the track, several drivers brush against the wall of champions while warnings for exceeding track limits start to come in. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell see their times invalidated for the same reasons. Nevertheless, this does not prevent the latter from holding the provisional best time.

It’s finally X who takes the best time of this Q1. The loser of the day is Guanyu Zhou. The Sauber driver had completed only 4 laps this morning in FP3 before crashing at the first corner. He is last in this Q1. It’s also not going well for Perez who had already shown signs of struggle this morning.

Drivers eliminated in Q1: Sergio Perez (P16); Valtteri Bottas (P17); Esteban Ocon (P18); Nico Hülkenberg (P19); Guanyu Zhou (P20)

Q2:

Lando Norris, promising in Q1, doesn’t waste any time to start off. The Mercedes cars surprise by setting the two best provisional times. So far, Verstappen is struggling. He sets a first time of 1:13.184, well beaten. He even finds himself in the elimination zone alongside Lance Stroll, Logan Sargeant, Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly. It seems, for now, to be a battle between Mercedes and McLaren.

The wind is picking up and the radars are announcing rain for the start of Q3. George Russell scares himself in turn 4 with a nice slide.

Two minutes before the end, the Racing Bulls improve and get out of the elimination zone. Yuki Tsunoda even sets the second best provisional time, just a hundredth behind Lando Norris.

Mercedes are the first to go below the 1:13.000 mark. At Ferrari, disillusionment! None of the two cars will be in Q3. It’s also the end for Pierre Gasly, finishing 15th.

Drivers eliminated in Q2: Charles Leclerc (P11); Carlos Sainz (P12); Logan Sargeant (P13); Kevin Magnussen (P14); Pierre Gasly (P15).

Q3

The McLarens line up once again in the front, accompanied by Max Verstappen. The latter wastes no time in setting the pace with a provisional best time of 1:12.358. He is logically quickly surpassed by George Russell. The rain that was announced is not here yet, but there is no question of wasting time, no one lingers in the pits. Sensationally, it is extremely rare that Verstappen equals Russell’s time. Both drivers have a time of 1:12.000. As George Russell achieved it first, he will start from pole position tomorrow. The second row is occupied by Lando Norris in 3rd and Oscar Piastri in 4th.

The ranking will be available in a few moments…