In an electrifying qualifying session for the 2024 F1 Canadian Grand Prix, George Russell snatched pole position—though he delivered the exact same time as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The timing was razor-thin. Despite Verstappen equaling Russell’s 1:12.000 lap time, Russell will start the race from the first position. Right behind them, in third, is McLaren’s Lando Norris, who missed out on the top spot by just 0.021 seconds.
The one-hour qualifying is divided into three segments, with the slowest five cars dropping out in Q1 and Q2 before the top 10 shoot it out in Q3. The session, which saw a ‘green’ track due to earlier rain showers, kicked off with Verstappen setting the initial benchmark at 1:13.368. But it was Russell who quickly took over with a 1:13.242 halfway through Q1. The changing track conditions allowed Norris to take P1 briefly, only for Verstappen to reclaim it with a 1:12.360, the fastest time of Q1. However, some notable names like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas failed to make it past Q1.
As Q2 began, light rain threatened to shake things up, prompting everyone to get quick laps in. Oscar Piastri initially set the pace, but it was Russell who took the lead with a 1:12.323. Norris managed to snatch P1 momentarily with a 1:12.210, but once again, Russell demonstrated his prowess with the fastest lap of 1:11.742. Unfortunately for Ferrari, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz got knocked out in this session, alongside Logan Sargeant, Kevin Magnussen, and Pierre Gasly.
By Q3, the sun made a timely appearance, drying the track for the final showdown. Russell was the quickest once more, clocking in at exactly 1:12.000 on his first run, 0.28 seconds ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton. When Verstappen matched this time in the final moments, it was too late to dethrone Russell’s earlier lap. Norris concluded the session just 0.021 seconds shy of pole and will start third, with his McLaren teammate Piastri securing fourth. Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso will also start in strong positions, fifth and sixth respectively, with Hamilton only managing seventh.
The top 10 for the Canadian GP will feature a mix of familiar faces and rising stars. Yuki Tsunoda, Lance Stroll, and Alex Albon also put in commendable performances to round out the qualifying session.
With the grid set for an intriguing start, all eyes will be on the front row as George Russell and Max Verstappen prepare to battle it out in the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix. The identical times add an unusual twist, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting race.
Source: Motorsport
