Russell Surprises; Takes Pole in Canada with Verstappen Second

George Russell took pole position ahead of Max Verstappen in Montreal, a welcome surprise to the Mercedes garage. The Dutchman in second qualified crucially ahead of both McLarens, looking to seize the opportunity to take the lead on the race start. Filling the second row was Piastri and Antonelli with World Champions’ Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso behind them. It was a disappointing qualifying for Lando Norris as he could only manage P7, alongside Charles Leclerc who also suffered a sub-par session. Isack Hadjar and Alexander Albon rounded off the top 10, with the latter having suffered from an engine cover blowout in Q1.