If the Canadian Grand Prix is even half as entertaining as qualifying, it’s set to be a thrilling affair in Montreal, where Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will line up on the front row after setting identical lap times on Saturday.
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be close behind them when the lights go out, and keep an eye on RB’s Daniel Ricciardo, who could make a difference at Turn 1 after qualifying in an impressive fifth place, ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and second-placed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
Report: Russell takes pole position with same time as Verstappen in tight qualifying in Canada
What about Ferrari, you might ask? Neither made it into Q3, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in 11th and 12th place respectively. Ahead of them were newly reconfirmed Yuki Tsunoda in RB, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in his home race and Williams’ Alex Albon in eighth to tenth places.
Pirelli Strategy Guide: What race strategies are possible for the Canadian Grand Prix?
Also look out for a fast start from Sergio Pérez, who finished a dismal 16th in his first race since announcing his contract extension with Red Bull, while at the back of the grid Esteban Ocon will be hoping to make up some of his early positions after receiving a five-place grid penalty for contact with Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly last time out in Monaco.
In fact, Ocon won’t be last to start the race, as both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will start the race from the pit lane after Kick Sauber opted to change the rear wing specification of their cars after qualifying.
