French is spoken in Montreal, as in Monte Carlo. From Ferrari’s success with Charles Leclerc (and Carlos Sainz’s 3rd place) in the Principality two weeks ago, the F1 moves to Canada for the ninth race of the season. The fight at the top gets interesting. Red Bull is no longer alone: the pursuers have gotten closer to the world champions, the gaps are no longer as abysmal as in the past. The Scuderia and McLaren are hot on the heels of Max Verstappen who continues to lead the drivers’ standings (169 points) while his partner, Sergio Perez, who has just been renewed until 2026, is 5th with 107 points. Behind the Dutchman is Leclerc at -31 while Norris is 3rd at 113 points. Among the Constructors, the battle is even closer: Red Bull leads with 276 points, but Ferrari is almost glued to just -24 points behind, while McLaren is third with 184 points.
Formula 1, Ferrari and McLaren now threaten Red Bull: Canada and Spain decisive
by our correspondent Alessandra Retico
May 27, 2024
Ferrari on the attack
Positive feelings for Ferrari on the eve of the weekend on the circuit named after the Canadian and Prancing Horse legend, Gilles Villeneuve. Team principal, Fred Vasseur: “We leave for Canada on the wave of enthusiasm for Charles’ success in his home race in Monaco, as we did after Carlos’ victory in Australia. However, we are not changing our approach: we need to approach this weekend aware that we are moving in the right direction both from a technical point of view, both in terms of harmony in the team and with regards to the decisions to be made on the track. The work done so far has allowed us to further reduce the gap that separates us from those in command of the two world championship rankings. The values, especially in qualifying, between us, McLaren and Red Bull are extremely close and we know that every small detail can make the difference.”
The circuit named after Villeneuve
The semi-permanent circuit is very different from that of Monte Carlo and in part resembles the one in Baku. It is among the most loved by drivers and has been completely resurfaced and the curbs have been replaced: it is located on the Île Notre-Dame, an island that hosted the 1967 World Fair. The artificial body of water outside the track , which the pilots cross to enter the paddock, was built to host the rowing and canoe races at the 1976 Olympics. The track has 6 left-hand bends and 8 right-hand bends and is among those with the lowest average speed of the entire track. season. It measures 4,361 meters and has a particular alternation of slow curves, high-speed sections and straights (three) where the mobile wing can be operated. In between, some chicanes that require sudden braking. The pole is obtained by filing centimeters near the protective barriers and when passing over the curbs. The confidence of the drivers is fundamental and every mistake is paid for: in the chicane between turns 4 and 5, however, the escape route is now grass while previously it was asphalt.
The Wall of Champions
In the race you can overtake, even if in some areas the road is narrow. At the end of the straight that leads to the last chicane there is a road to pass: at the exit there is the Wall of Champions so called because in 1999 three world champions (Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve) crashed into it and ended the race. Watch the weather: in Montreal we quickly go from scorching heat to sudden downpours, even during the same day. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton they are the most successful with 7 successes each (both have pole records, 6 each. Among the constructors, McLaren leads with 13 successes and 11 poles, while Ferrari (12 successes, 8 poles) leads in terms of podium placings (37) .
The program
Two free practice sessions are scheduled for Friday 7 June (at 7.30pm and 11pm Italian time), on Saturday 8 June the last practice session will be at 6.30pm while qualifying starts at 10pm. The 53rd Canadian Grand Prix, on a distance of 70 laps, will start on Sunday 9 June at 8pm Italian time.
