Formula 1’s 2024 Canadian Grand Prix Race Review
Verstappen Wins a Wet Race in Montreal
The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal was a thrilling spectacle of racing under mixed weather conditions. Max Verstappen emerged victorious after a gripping battle with McLaren’s Lando Norris, showcasing the skill and strategy required to navigate the wet-dry race. This race also highlighted the continued competitiveness of teams like Mercedes and McLaren, putting pressure on Red Bull’s dominance in the championship.
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Canadian Grand Prix Qualifying
Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix was marked by drama and surprises. George Russell secured pole position for Mercedes, demonstrating excellent pace and control in tricky conditions. Russell’s pole was his second of the season, and it came as a result of a stellar lap that beat out Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, who completed the top three.
The wet conditions made the session particularly challenging, with drivers constantly adapting to the changing grip levels. Several top drivers, including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, failed to make it into Q3. Leclerc, starting from 11th, and Sainz, from 12th, were caught out by the rapidly drying track in Q2, which saw them miss the final qualifying shootout.
Adding to the drama, the Haas duo of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg were disqualified from qualifying due to rear wing changes that did not conform to the regulations, forcing them to start from the pit lane. This reshuffle set the stage for an unpredictable race with a mixed grid and the promise of action from the very start.
Canadian Grand Prix Race Day
Race Start: The race began under wet conditions, with most drivers opting for intermediate tires except for the Haas team, who gambled on full wets. Russell made a clean start, maintaining his lead ahead of Verstappen. The McLaren pair of Norris and Oscar Piastri held their positions well while chaos ensued further back, with several cars skidding and sliding on the wet track.
Mid-Race Battles: The early stages saw Kevin Magnussen capitalizing on his wet tire advantage, surging through the field and challenging the leaders. However, as the rain eased and the track began to dry, the advantage shifted back to those on intermediate tires. A pivotal moment came when Logan Sargeant crashed, bringing out the Safety Car and reshuffling the order as drivers pitted for new tires.
Strategic Decisions: The race saw multiple strategic gambles, particularly during the transitions between wet and dry conditions. Verstappen, Russell, and Norris made timely pit stops that kept them in contention. Norris briefly took the lead with a stunning double overtake on Russell and Verstappen, but a subsequent Safety Car allowed Verstappen to regain the advantage.
Final Laps
As the race neared its conclusion, the track dried out completely, and drivers switched to slick tires. Verstappen maintained his lead despite pressure from Norris, who had a solid second half of the race. After a series of intense battles with his teammate Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Piastri, George Russell secured the final podium spot.
The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix highlighted the excitement and unpredictability of Formula 1. Verstappen’s win, combined with fierce competition from McLaren and Mercedes, made it a memorable race. As the season progresses, the fight for the championship promises more thrilling races and fierce rivalries. Next, Formula 1 will head to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled to take place from June 21 to 23, promising more high-octane action.
Key Moments
- Verstappen’s Victory: Max Verstappen’s win in Canada marked his sixth victory of the season and 60th of his career, reinforcing his lead in the championship standings.
- Norris’s Challenge: Lando Norris’s impressive performance showcased McLaren’s growing competitiveness.
- Russell’s Podium: George Russell’s third place was a testament to Mercedes’ resilience and strategic acumen under changing conditions.
- Early Collision: The dramatic crash involving Logan Sargeant set the tone for a race filled with strategy and skill.
- Late Race Battles: The intense battles between Russell, Hamilton, and Piastri provided a thrilling end to the race.
The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix highlighted the excitement and unpredictability of Formula 1. Verstappen’s win and fierce competition from McLaren and Mercedes made it a memorable race. As the season progresses, the fight for the championship promises more thrilling races and fierce rivalries.
2024 Canadian Grand Prix Final Results
| RANK | DRIVER | COUNTRY | TEAM | FASTEST LAP |
| 1 | MAX VERSTAPPEN | NETHERLANDS | RED BULL | |
| 2 | LANDO NORRIS | BRITAIN | MCLAREN | |
| 3 | GEORGE RUSSEL | BRITAIN | MERCEDES | |
| 4 | LEWIS HAMILTON | BRITAIN | MERCEDES | 1:14.856 |
| 5 | OSCAR PIASTRI | AUSTRALIA | MCLAREN | |
| 6 | FERNANDO ALONSO | SPAIN | ASTON MARTIN | |
| 7 | LANCE STROLL | CANADA | ASTON MARTIN | |
| 8 | DANIEL RICCIARDO | AUSTRALIA | RB | |
| 9 | PIERRE GASLY | FRANCE | ALPINE | |
| 10 | ESTEBAN OCON | FRANCE | ALPINE | |
| 11 | NIKO HULKENBERG | GERMANY | HAAS | |
| 12 | KEVIN MAGNUSSEN | DENMARK | HAAS | |
| 13 | VALTERRI BOTTAS | FINLAND | SAUBER | |
| 14 | YUKI TSUNODA | JAPAN | RB | |
| 15 | ZHOU GUANYU | CHINA | SAUBER | |
| RETIRED | CARLOS SAINZ JR-LAP 52 | SPAIN | FERRARI | |
| RETIRED | ALEXANDER ALBON-LAP 52 | THAILAND | WILLIAMS | |
| RETIRED | SERGIO PEREZ-LAP 51 | MEXICO | RED BULL | |
| RETIRED | CHARLES LECLERC-LAP 40 | MONACO | FERRARI | |
| RETIRED | LOGAN SARGEANT-LAP 23 | UNITED STATES | WILLIAMS |
