Max Verstappen just missed out on pole position after a strong qualifying for the Canadian GP, the Dutchman having to settle for P2 on the grid.
The Canadian GP weekend has been relatively strong for the reigning champion so far, although he complained over the odd issue in practice sessions, from the first lap in Q1 he was up at the front of the pack.
His finally lap in Q3 seemed perfect for a pole position, until George Russell crossed the line with a blinding lap breaking into the 1:10s. But while Verstappen would no doubt prefer to be lining up first, second still leaves the door open for an early lead.
Verstappen told Jacques Villeneueve in Parc Fermé, “I felt quite good all weekend. The car actually was in a good window. I mean, this track is quite cool. It feels a bit like a bit of a big go-kart on the curbs. Then, of course, you have the long straights, heavy braking.”
“You need to be quite efficient on the straights, which I think we are in general. Overall, I’m very happy with qualifying. I think the car was, again, working quite well. Then, of course, the tough choice was the tyres, which one to use. But I think we did the right thing.”
Looking to Turn one
Around Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, there’s a benefit to being on the right side of the track, in the P2 grid slot. Although you’re still slightly further back, it arguably gives the driver a better run into the first two corners.
Despite this, Verstappen still said he’d prefer to be lining up first, but he hasn’t ruled anything out into turn 1 and for the potential in the race.
He said, “I mean, I would always pick P1. You just start a little bit more forward. But it’s fine. I mean, we’ll see what we can do tomorrow. I’m already very happy with what we achieved today to be on the front row. Hopefully, tomorrow, we can have a solid race.”
Verstappen has a history of bold turn one moves, knowing it’s the best opportunity to take an early lead. However, coming into Canada the Dutchman is sat on 11 of 12 penalty points, needing just one more before he’s handed a one race ban.
This will require a more careful approach to turn one than Verstappen would perhaps like, ensuring he’ll race in Austria.
