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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen emerged victorious in a thrilling 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, securing his sixth win of the season by defeating McLaren’s Lando Norris with a margin of 3.8 seconds at the checkered flag. The race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was marked by fluctuating leaders and strategic gambles, culminating in a skillful drive by Verstappen, who now extends his lead in the drivers’ championship to 56 points.
A Race of Many Leaders
The race saw leadership changes between George Russell, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen. Norris, who initially snatched the lead from Russell on lap 22, lost his advantage during a crucial safety car period triggered by Logan Sargeant’s spin on lap 25. This incident forced Norris to pit a lap later than his rivals, handing the lead to Verstappen.
Key Strategic Decisions
The wet start to the race added to the complexity, with teams navigating the transition from intermediate to slick tires. Verstappen and his team managed the switch seamlessly, preserving his lead despite Montreal’s notorious kerbs which troubled him in the race’s latter stages. The decision to pit for slick tires on lap 43, a lap after Russell, kept him in command.
Safety Cars and Strategic Pit Stops
Two safety car periods significantly influenced the race dynamics. The first, due to Sargeant’s spin, reshuffled the leaders. The second, caused by a collision between Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon on lap 53, brought another strategic shake-up. Mercedes opted to pit Russell and Hamilton for fresh tires during this period.
Russell’s Resurgence and Mercedes’ Gamble
Despite dropping to fifth after the second safety car, Russell fought back to secure a podium finish. A key moment was his recovery after a mistake on lap 51 when he lost second place to Norris by clattering over the kerbs at Turn Eight. Russell’s aggressive but calculated moves in the final laps, including a decisive pass on teammate Hamilton, showcased his resilience and racing prowess.
Hamilton and Russell’s Duel
The intra-team battle between Hamilton and Russell was a highlight. After the safety car period, Hamilton overtook Piastri for third, with Russell following suit. The Mercedes duo was then allowed to race freely, resulting in Russell reclaiming his podium spot with a bold pass on Hamilton in the final chicane.
Norris and Piastri Shine for McLaren
Norris, who led the race before the first safety car, finished a commendable second, demonstrating McLaren’s recent strong form. His teammate Oscar Piastri also impressed, holding his own against the experienced Mercedes drivers and finishing in fifth.
Ferrari’s Woes Continue
For Ferrari, the race was another disappointment. Charles Leclerc’s race ended prematurely due to an engine issue and a poor strategic call to switch to slick tires too early in wet conditions. Carlos Sainz’s collision with Albon compounded Ferrari’s troubles, as he retired from the race, leaving the team without points from the Canadian Grand Prix.
Looking Ahead
As the F1 action moves to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain in two weeks, Verstappen’s victory in Montreal has furthered his lead in the championship. With a 56-point gap over the nearest rival, the Red Bull driver is in a great position. However, the performances of Norris, Russell, and Hamilton indicate that the battles on the track are far from over.
Full results of the race final here.
