The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix was an unforgettable race that had fans on the edge of their seats. Rain just before the start led to the event being declared wet by race control, and it eliminated the need for drivers to run two different sets of dry tires. All the drivers opted for the intermediate tires, except for the Haas F1 team, which took a gamble on the extreme wet tires.
The bold strategy by Haas saw their drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, make significant gains initially. Magnussen climbed to fourth place from fourteenth in just a few laps, but the predicted heavy rain failed to materialize within the first ten minutes, causing the duo to lose their advantage as they struggled with grip.
At the front, the battle for positions was relentless. Lando Norris made a stunning move at the final chicane to overtake George Russell for the lead, having already capitalized on a mistake by Max Verstappen to move into second place. At times, Norris was lapping two seconds quicker than his rivals. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri was busy fending off Lewis Hamilton but declined team orders to challenge Russell, aiming instead to keep the seven-time champion at bay.
Logan Sargeant triggered the first caution of the race by hitting the wall, an event many had predicted. At this point, Norris was leading the Grand Prix with an eight-second gap over the reigning world champion. Race control hesitated to deploy the safety car, hoping marshals could handle the situation without intervention. This delay proved costly for McLaren and Norris.
As race control debated, top contenders like Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton pitted for fresh intermediate tires with rain looming. Those who stayed out initially seemed to benefit as their warm, worn tires performed better than the new ones struggling to gain temperature in the wet pit lane. When the safety car was finally deployed, McLaren had a critical decision to make with Norris, who was leading and approaching the final chicane.
Replays showed that Norris had enough time to slow down and pit when the safety car was deployed. However, McLaren’s strategists failed to act swiftly. Norris continued for another lap, losing valuable time and ultimately the lead. Reflecting on the chaotic race, Norris said, “It was. It was chaos. It was eventful. To be honest, I felt like I drove a good race from start to finish. The first two stints were very strong, I had amazing pace, then the safety car had me over.”
Despite his disappointment, Norris remained philosophical, acknowledging that fate had favored him before. “Things were going beautifully, but this is Montreal,” he remarked. “And there’s always something that’s got to come into play, but it was good, and fair play to Max, he drove a good race, no mistakes. I’m happy with the second, good points for the team, and a good weekend.”
The race underscored the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where strategic decisions can make or break a driver’s day. Norris’s second-place finish still brought valuable points for McLaren, but it was clear that a maiden victory had slipped through his fingers due to a tactical misstep. “That’s the way it is,” Norris concluded. “It helped me out in Miami, so I’m not going to be the one to complain. It happens. That’s racing.”
The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix will be remembered for its dramatic turns and strategic errors. McLaren and Norris will undoubtedly review their decisions, hoping to learn from this missed opportunity. Norris’s performance, however, was a testament to his skill and determination, promising exciting races ahead.
