Canadian GP press conference: statements from the top 3 after qualifying
In summery conditions and on a circuit as demanding as it is spectacular, George Russell achieved a convincing pole position in qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver overtook Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at the end of a breathless session, marked by important strategic choices and changing track conditions. Here's a look back at what the day's three leading men had to say, with their new-found confidence, tire and brake management, and ambitions for Sunday's race.
George Russell (Mercedes) 1st on the grid
George Russell clinched an impressive pole position in Montreal (*his sixth in his career and first this year*), describing his final lap as the most exhilarating of his career. He explained that he gained nearly seven-tenths on this lap, improving with each corner, driven by a car on rails. The choice of medium tires proved wise, offering him the confidence needed to attack. Russell also highlighted the importance of the cool conditions, which allowed the Mercedes to shine, while acknowledging that this performance window remains limited to certain circuits. He remains cautious for the race, mentioning the uncertainties related to temperature, strategy (one or two stops), and managing hard tires.
“The coolness of the track in Montreal worked in our favor”
When questioned by Motors Inside during the press conference following the qualifiers, George Russell spoke about braking stability, particularly in the tricky Turn 10 (the hairpin) of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The British driver expressed great confidence in his car, emphasizing that the cool conditions in Montreal allowed the Mercedes to fully perform.
« When it’s cooler, the car is simply in its ideal zone. It gives me complete confidence, especially in braking », he explained. Russell even joked about the size of his shoes, humorously suggesting that it might contribute to his braking efficiency, prompting an amused remark from Max Verstappen.
Beyond the joke, the Brit highlighted a key factor in his team’s performance: the temperature. « During the qualifying session, which lasted over an hour due to interruptions, the track cooled down. It’s no coincidence that we were faster in Q3 than in Q1. »
However, Russell remains clear-headed: « These kinds of conditions don’t present themselves at every race. We know that our car performs very well in certain specific windows, but over a season of 24 Grand Prix, we need to be effective everywhere. That’s where we need to make progress. »
Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 2nd on the grid
Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating that the car was in a good setup window right from the start of the weekend. He enjoyed the challenge of the Montreal circuit, which he compared to a big kart due to the curbs and long straights. The Dutchman emphasized the importance of aerodynamic efficiency and tire management, particularly in the face of the risk of graining. Visibly annoyed by repeated questions about his penalty points, he preferred to focus on the upcoming race, aiming for a podium finish and optimal tire management. He insisted on a race-by-race approach, without focusing on the championship.
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 3rd on the grid
Piastri hailed a clear improvement compared to the free practice sessions, where he encountered numerous difficulties. He chose to stay on soft tires in Q3 to avoid introducing additional variables, prioritizing consistency after a complicated preparation. The young Australian expressed satisfaction with his position, while acknowledging that McLaren had been lagging compared to its recent standards. He remains confident for the race, highlighting that the team is generally more competitive in race pace. He hopes to fight for the win, even though the Mercedes and Red Bull teams seem very competitive.
