Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix: Russell Secures Pole Position Ahead of Verstappen
The Canadian Grand Prix qualifying session has come to a close, with George Russell securing pole position ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The one-hour session was split into three segments, with five cars eliminated in Q1 and Q2, respectively, before the top-10 shootout in Q3.
Here is the starting grid for the Canadian Grand Prix:
| Cla | Nº | Driver | Car / Engine | Time | Delay |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1’12.000 | |
| 2 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull/Honda RBPT | 1’12.000 | |
| 3 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren/Mercedes | 1’12.021 | 0.021 |
| 4 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren/Mercedes | 1’12.103 | 0.103 |
| 5 | 3 | Daniel Ricciardo | RB/Honda RBPT | 1’12.178 | 0.178 |
| 6 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin/Mercedes | 1’12.228 | 0.228 |
| 7 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1’12.280 | 0.280 |
| 8 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | RB/Honda RBPT | 1’12.414 | 0.414 |
| 9 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin/Mercedes | 1’12.701 | 0.701 |
| 10 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams/Mercedes | 1’12.796 | 0.796 |
During Q1, Verstappen set the initial benchmark at 1m13.368s on a dry but green track, before Russell took the top spot with a 1m13.242s lap. Norris and Hamilton also briefly held P1, with Verstappen ultimately claiming the fastest time at 1m12.360s.
In Q2, rain spots led drivers to prioritize getting a banker lap in, with Piastri setting the early pace. As the rain cleared, Norris took P1, but Hamilton and Russell improved to take the top two spots.
Knocked out in Q2 were Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Logan Sargeant (Williams), Kevin Magnussen (Haas), and Pierre Gasly (Alpine).
On the final runs in Q3, Russell set the pace with 1m12.000s, 0.28s faster than Hamilton. Verstappen subsequently matched Russell’s time, but Norris fell just 0.021s short of pole position.
The Canadian Grand Prix is set to take place on the Formula 1 calendar, with the action getting underway today. Stay tuned for more Formula 1 news and updates as the season unfolds.
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