Hamilton to start 7th in Canada

9th June 2024

Mercedes teammate George Russell and Red Bull's Max Verstappen set identical times for pole

After topping the times in Free Practice Three with a 1:12.549, hopes were high for a Max Verstappen versus Lewis Hamilton showdown in qualifying, reports Damian Hall from Montreal.

However, Hamilton could only deliver a time 0.280 seconds off pole, resulting in a seventh-place start in the Canadian Grand Prix today (June 9).

Hamilton fans will eagerly await to see if he can produce something special today, at this track that marked the beginning of his remarkable 103-win journey in the sport.

Canada’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve holds a special place in Hamilton’s career. It was here he secured his first-ever F1 win in 2007.

Additionally, in 2017, he equaled Ayrton Senna’s pole position record of 65 at this track, adding emotional significance during the 30th anniversary of Senna’s passing, Hamilton’s childhood hero.

In a surprising turn of events, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s future teammate and the winner of the last race, will start the race from 11th.

Current Mercedes teammate George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen both set the fastest time of 1:12.000.

However, F1 qualifying rules state that the first driver to set the time starts ahead. Thus, Russell will start on pole, with Verstappen lining up second.

In a post-qualifying interview, Russell said: “First step done, now we have our eyes on that win.”

Starting third will be McLaren’s Lando Norris, with a time just 0.021 seconds off the pace, followed by his teammate Oscar Piastri.

With the weather being so unpredictable in Canada, a mix of sun and showers, fans should be in for a treat with both Hamilton and Leclerc having the opportunity to stage a comeback in the race.

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