Russell Claimed the Top Spot Despite a Matching Time From Max Verstappen
George Russell will start from pole position for the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix after a dramatic and closely contested qualifying session at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Despite a dead heat with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Russell secured the top spot due to setting his time earlier, making it a significant achievement for the Mercedes driver. McLaren’s Lando Norris completed the top three after an impressive performance in the one-hour qualifying session.
Q1: Verstappen and Russell Set the Early Pace
The qualifying session began on a dry but still ‘green’ track, recovering from earlier rain showers. Max Verstappen initially set the benchmark with a time of 1m13.368s. That was quickly bettered by George Russell’s 1m13.242s at the halfway point for Mercedes. As the track conditions improved, grip levels increased dramatically, allowing Lando Norris to briefly take P1. However, Verstappen responded with a 1m12.360s lap to end the session on top. Yuki Tsunoda impressively jumped to second, with Lewis Hamilton in third. The first five drivers to be eliminated were Sergio Perez of Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas of Sauber, Esteban Ocon of Alpine, Nico Hulkenberg of Haas, and Zhou Guanyu of Sauber.
Q2: Hamilton and Russell Shine Amid Rain Threats
The second qualifying segment began under the threat of rain, prompting drivers to set quick banker laps. Oscar Piastri initially set the pace with a 1m12.462s, which was soon surpassed by Russell’s 1m12.323s. As the rain held off, the track conditions remained favorable. This allowed Norris to once again claim the top spot with a 1m12.210s. Hamilton and Russell then set successive fastest laps, with Hamilton posting a 1m11.979s and Russell topping it with a 1m11.742s. The session ended with notable eliminations. The main shocks included both Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Logan Sargeant of Williams, Kevin Magnussen of Haas, and Pierre Gasly of Alpine.
Q3: Russell Claims Pole in Thrilling Finale
The final segment saw the sun come out, providing optimal conditions for the top-10 shootout. George Russell set the initial pace with a 1m12.000s, 0.28s faster than his teammate Hamilton. The final runs were nail-biting, with Verstappen matching Russell’s time exactly, but the earlier lap gave the Mercedes driver the edge. Norris was just 0.021s off the pole time, securing third on the grid. McLaren’s strong performance was underlined by Oscar Piastri starting fourth. Daniel Ricciardo qualified fifth, marking a strong showing for RB, followed by Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, Hamilton, Tsunoda, home hero, Lance Stroll of Aston Martin, and Alex Albon for Williams.
Check out the full results of the 2024 F1 Canadian qualifying session here.
Looking Ahead
As the drivers prepare for Sunday’s race, all eyes will be on the front row battle between Russell and Verstappen. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, known for its challenging layout and variable conditions, promises an exciting and unpredictable race. With several top contenders in strong positions and a mixed-up grid, the 2024 F1 Canadian Grand Prix will surely be one to watch.
