The stage is prepared for an exciting 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, with George Russell of Mercedes starting from the first position, Max Verstappen of Red Bull alongside him, and two highly competitive McLaren drivers right behind. The report and results of the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix will be updated in this post after the race. Please refresh your browser to view the latest version of the report. Enjoy!
All the necessary elements are in place for the 43rd GP in Canada to be a remarkable event. The top six drivers on today’s grid are separated by less than a quarter of a second, with representatives from six different teams in the top ten. However, Ferrari and Sergio Perez are not among them. Perez failed to advance from Q1, while his teammate’s car claimed the fastest lap time at the end of the first qualifying session on Saturday.
If history is any indication, we can expect plenty of incidents. And that’s not even considering the unpredictable weather, specifically rain, that has been present over Ile Notre Dame throughout the weekend and will continue to be a factor in today’s race in Montreal.
Importantly, this is not Monaco, where the drivers finished in the same positions they started. There will be overtaking opportunities today, I believe. And not just small ones, as Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, named after Canada’s Ferrari and F1 legend, is a classic track that does not forgive mistakes. It has a history of producing some of the sport’s most memorable race days.
Who will emerge as the winner of today’s Canadian Grand Prix? Five or six drivers in the top ten have a chance, but the smart money is on Verstappen or one of the McLaren drivers standing on the top step of the podium.
But wait, isn’t Russell in P1 for Mercedes? Yes, George and Lewis Hamilton finally have a competitive car to drive. They have taken full advantage of it and have been at the front of the pack throughout the weekend.
And, finally, the performance shown by Mercedes in Free Practice, which often faded when it mattered, seems to be genuine this time. The outcome of today’s race will confirm it. However, both the practice sessions and the comments from the drivers have been positive.
Will Russell add another victory to his record or will Hamilton increase his collection of first-place F1 trophies to 105 by the end of this afternoon?
Russell may achieve it if the car performs well during the race. As for Hamilton, he is always inspired when racing on the track where he has won seven times, tying Michael Schumacher’s record of triumphs in Canada. One more victory will make him the all-time greatest in Montreal.
Personally, as a supporter of McLaren, I would love to see Oscar claim his first win. The young driver continues to impress and excel with each race weekend. The same goes for Lando, who is relishing the opportunity to win races, as he did famously in Miami.
Then there’s Max! Always delving deeper than we can fathom as humans. For instance, the one second he discovered in Q1 on Saturday, which Perez was unable to detect, serves as a fresh illustration. As always, anticipate and value the utmost Verstappen will deliver today.
Undoubtedly fueled by Jacques Villeneuve’s remarks questioning his presence in F1, Ricciardo produced one of his finest Qualy sessions since Mexico last year. He will position his VCARB P5 on the grid. While the junior Red Bulls have displayed stability throughout the weekend, can Dan perform miracles and maintain his position?
Yesterday, the winner of the 2006 Canadian GP and the oldest driver on the grid, Fernando Alonso (42), discovered inspiration that had mysteriously evaded him in recent races. Consequently, he secured his Aston Martin p7. This implies no mercy for those ahead!
The aforementioned scenarios alone should contribute to a highly captivating Round 9 of the 2024 F1 World Championship. Of course, if rain descends or if a safety car or two need to be deployed, this race could become chaotic.