F1: Verstappen wins pole on a very wet Montreal track (Update)

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Nico Hulkenberg has lost his front row starting spot for the Canadian GP. Story Here.

Also, a 3-place grid penalty for Sainz for impeding Gasly in qualifying, Yuki Tsunoda and Lance Stroll also will get 3-grid penalty.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The rains came down heavier in Q3 and the best driver gave all others a driving lesson they won’t soon forget.

Max Verstappen, on Intermediate Pirelli tires, put up a lap of 1m25.858s to win pole position for the Canadian GP in Montreal by a whopping margin.

Verstappen’s lap was 1.244s faster than Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas-Ferrari, a sensational result for the German in the minnow American team.

The Dutchman was in control from word go, no mistakes, no strategy errors.

“Yesterday wasn’t fantastic, so we made a few changes to the car, I do think the car improved to drive. It was super slippery out there, but we made all the right calls so of course, very happy to be on pole here. Maybe it’s dry tomorrow, but we have a good race car,” said a happy Verstappen

The Haas garage was celebrating, applauding Hulkenberg and slapping him on the back as he clambered out of the car.

“It was a wild quali, it was crazy,” said Hulkenberg.

“Changing conditions are tricky here with the walls so close. This comes a bit unexpected but I’m happy and proud, the team did a great job. In this weather there are a lot of radio calls going back and forth.

“First row is nice, it’s very sweet – let’s see how long we can keep that, tomorrow looks dry so a different cup of tea!”

Is it the Red Bull car?  No, the rain is the great equalizer and Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, could not touch Verstappen in the wet and will start 12th.

Fernando Alonso was third fast with a time of 1m27.286s in his Aston Martin, 1.428s behind Verstappen.

“It was a very tricky qualifying in terms of choosing the right tire at the right time, but P3 – we’ll take it. I think tomorrow we have a chance to put some pressure on [Red Bull].”

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell rounded out the top-5, 1.769s and 2.035s behind the Dutchman respectively.

Oscar Piastri brought out the only red flag in Q3 when he backed his McLaren into the wall on the very treacherous track.

It’s going to be a mixed up grid tomorrow though. Leclerc, Perez and Stroll are all outside of the top 10, and Gasly is way down the field. It could still change too, with the stewards still set to investigate a few blocking moments from qualifying.

More to follow……

Qualifying Results