Formula 1 roared back to life with a thrilling race in Montreal, shaking off the dullness of Imola and Monaco. The Canadian Grand Prix brought drama, surprises, and some headaches—here’s what stood out.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull found their footing again, thanks to Montreal’s unique track and unpredictable weather. However, not everything was smooth sailing as Sergio Perez’s rough patch continued despite his contract extension.
Mercedes showed signs of improvement, even though the weekend ended on a bittersweet note. George Russell nabbed pole position, but both Mercedes drivers faltered during the race, letting victory slip through their fingers.
The safety car was a game-changer for Lando Norris, who was on track for another strong finish before it hurt his chances. Adding to the list of missteps, Yuki Tsunoda had a day to forget even after securing his spot with Red Bull for the upcoming season.
The FIA’s big reveal of its 2026 chassis design didn’t win everyone over, creating a bit of a buzz as teams and drivers weighed in on the future of F1.
Montreal delivered a fantastic race, redeeming itself after two lackluster events. The weather played a pivotal role, and the race went down as the best one so far this season. Red Bull may have won, but the competition is closing in, with key moments from Verstappen, Norris, and Russell highlighting the close battle.
However, the Montreal track has its issues. F1 boasted a record 350,000 spectators, but infrastructure updates are needed. Traffic jams and muddy parking areas were just some of the problems that fans and teams faced. Even rapper Pitbull’s no-show added to the chaos.
Sergio Perez’s performance woes continued, showing no sign of improvement. Despite his new contract, Perez struggled, failing to explain a car issue that hampered his qualifying. Crashes during the race only added to his troubles, making his future at Red Bull even shakier.
Lando Norris had a tough break with the safety car, losing a hard-earned lead. Norris was candid about the team’s strategy hiccups and the bitter twist of fate that saw him fall behind after Logan Sargeant’s crash triggered the safety car.
Rivals have started seeing Red Bull’s latest updates as a potential downgrade. Mercedes’ James Allison suggested that Red Bull’s latest adjustments might not be working as intended, adding a twist to the championship fight.
Ferrari had a nightmare in Canada, far from their dominant win in Monaco. Struggling with tyre warm-up and dealing with engine issues, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz had races to forget. Ferrari hopes this dismal performance was just a one-off.
Mercedes made strides with their new front wing, and George Russell’s pole position was a highlight. But errors during the race left the team feeling they missed out on a victory. Technical director James Allison explained that their updates are promising, but there’s more to come.
Yuki Tsunoda’s extension with Red Bull simplifies the driver market for others. His confirmed seat means others have one less competitor for available spots, though it leaves drivers like Liam Lawson in a tough spot.
The FIA previewed the 2026 car design, focusing on agility and sustainability. The new regulations aim to make cars lighter and faster, but not everyone is convinced. Concerns about downforce, safety, and prescriptive rules have teams and drivers wary of another dominant era.
The debate over the 2026 regulations grew louder, with teams voicing concerns about the new cars’ cornering speed and safety. Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris added their voices, worried about overly high speeds and potential crashes. The FIA promised to refine the rules, acknowledging the valid concerns raised.
The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix left us with plenty to ponder—impressive comebacks, ongoing struggles, and future uncertainties in F1. As the season unfolds, these moments will undoubtedly shape the championship race.
Source: Motorsport
