Dark clouds loomed over Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as the Canadian Grand Prix kicked off with a soggy start on Friday. The rain, and even hail, tested the drivers’ resolve during the opening practice sessions.
Friday’s first practice hour was almost a total washout. Many drivers chose not to set times at all, and only six managed to complete 10 or more laps in the rain. Lando Norris clocked the fastest time in a wet FP1 with a 1:24.435, while Fernando Alonso led FP2 with a 1:15.810 in slightly improved conditions. However, Alonso noted the session was far from dry and emphasized the importance of making the right tire decisions. ‘I think the right decision can gain you five seconds. The wrong decision, you’re out of the race,’ stated Alonso. He predicted a weekend where sharp choices in qualifying could offer significant advantages.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished P4 on Friday, sounded a more confident note. ‘I’m happy because we are very competitive in all of the conditions,’ said Leclerc. However, he acknowledged that if FP3 and qualifying end up being dry, they’ll have a narrow window in FP3 to fine-tune the car. ‘If FP3 is wet and qualifying is dry, it’s going to go into qualifying with a lot of unknowns for everybody,’ he added.
Looking ahead to Saturday, there’s a 40% chance of rain during final practice, escalating to 60% for qualifying. The Met Office forecast predicts a high of 22°C with a West South Westerly wind gusting up to 32mph. Sunday’s 70-lap race also carries a chance of rain, albeit less so than Saturday.
With the weather adding an extra layer of unpredictability, all eyes will be on the teams’ strategic choices as they navigate this challenging weekend.
The Canadian Grand Prix is shaping up to be a test of both skill and strategy, as drivers and teams brace for unpredictable weather conditions. With rain likely to play a defining role, the right decisions will be crucial in the fight for pole position and race victory.
Source: Planetf1
