Montreal 2024: Qualifying

Formula 1

This qualifying session had the most unexpected results I possibly have ever seen, but absolutely the most unexpected of the season so far.

Q1:

Many of the drivers were complaining of traffic, as the circuit is short and there are many drivers. However, this did not stop the Mercedes from finding great lap times. Both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were putting out very competitive times. Similarly, Aston Martin and VCARB also were finding great pace. It’s Lance Stroll’s home race, and Fernando Alonso was trying to have a comeback from his last few races. Daniel Ricciardo, driving for Visa-Cashapp RB has been struggling for the whole season, other than a glimmer of hope in Miami before it was dashed away by Lance Stroll. However, this round Daniel seems to have found his footing and is making great strides.

On the other hand, Sergio Perez was finding himself lagging against other drivers and his teammate Max Verstappen. Sergio was also struggling in Monaco, and seems to continue to. This comes right after the Red Bull team resigned/extended his contract to 2025.

Drivers who moved into Q2:

1. Max Verstappen

2. Yuki Tsunoda

3. Lewis Hamilton

4. Alex Albon

5. Oscar Piastri

Drivers out

16. Sergio Perez

17. Valtteri Bottas

18. Esteban Ocon

19. Nico Hulkenberg

20. Zhou Guanyu

Q2:

Once again, the Ferrari’s are below expectations with their race pace. It was projected that the Ferraris would be superb around the circuit, however, Charles said it best; “We’re slow”. Both the Ferrari drivers continually were in the midfield, and was unable to secure a good position.

Shockingly, both of the Williams drivers made it into Q2. Typically one or both of the drivers get out, but this time Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant made into the next round. The whole weekend Alex Albon showed exactly why he used to drive for Red Bull: Because of his expertise. However, this round Logan Sargeant was unable to keep up with his teammate.

Drivers who moved into Q3

1. George Russell

2. Lewis Hamilton

3. Max Verstappen

4. Yuki Tsunoda

5. Oscar Piastri

Drivers out

11. Carlos Sainz

12. Charles Leclerc

13. Logan Sargeant

14. Kevin Magnussen

15. Pierre Gasly

Q3

All of Q3 was George Russell and Lewis Hamilton keeping each other on there toes. Both showed phenomenal pace, and raised hope that Hamilton may be able to secure his first pole position of the season, however, George Russell was not about to give up with position easily. Following them closely was Max Verstappen who now has extra pressure to preform as his teammate went out in Q1. Everyone’s results were up in the air, as the expected did not happen, and the unexpected did. Once again, expectations were subverted when A). George Russell and Max Verstappen scored the exact same lap time = 1:12.000. Since George set the time first, he was positions in front of Max and B) Daniel Ricciardo earned a position in front of Lewis Hamilton.

George Russell won pole position, the second of his career. However, Max is 0.000 seconds behind him. He will have to work to keep the spot at the Grand Prix. The pair getting the exact same lap time is only the second time that has ever happened in Formula 1 history.

Results:

1. George Russell

2. Max Verstappen

3. Lando Norris

4. Oscar Piastri

5. Daniel Ricciardo

6. Fernando Alonso

7. Lewis Hamilton

8. Yuki Tsunoda

9. Lance Stroll

10. Alex Albon