Problems for the Dutchman, with the Red Bull mechanics forced to “operate” on his RB20 due to a possible ERS problem
Friday’s F1 free practice in Montreal, for the Canadian GP, ends under the banner of rain and with Fernando Alonso before all. The Asturian from the Aston Martin team closed the session in 1:15.810 ahead of the Mercedes George Russell and the other Aston Martin of Lance Stroll. The first of the Ferraris is that of Charles Leclercfourth with a delay of seven tenths from Alonso, while Carlos Sainz he didn’t go beyond the 13th fastest time before being stopped by rain which neutralized half the session. Problems for Max Verstappen, with the Dutchman taking his RB20 back to the pits reporting a burning smell. A lot of concern in the pits, with the world champion having to say goodbye to the session with 25′ to go, with his car having to be dismantled and inspected for a possible ERS problem.
Still little to do and almost no excitement on the Gilles Villeneuve of Montreal, with the F1 cars held back by the rain. After shooting for almost 30 minutes taking advantage of the clemency of the weather, Fernando Alonso he seized the opportunity by stopping the clock in 1:15.810 before the rain stopped everyone. From Russell And Stroll the other top 3 times, while Charles Leclerc he was satisfied with the fourth time, seven tenths behind the Asturian and ahead of Daniel Ricciardo. Even under a second late Kevin Magnussen in Haas, while from Lewis Hamilton (7th) onwards everyone has accumulated a gap beyond second.
Also Max Verstappen, or rather especially Super Max which has been unlucky so far in Canada. After not standing out in free practice 1, the Dutchman was forced to park his RB20 in the pits prematurely due to suspicious smoke that worried him. “It smells like burning” he told him, taking the car back to the garage. A car that has been studied down to the smallest detail and which, after installing the new power unit, causes some concern. According to what he leaks, the problem would be at ERS.
In the boredom of free practice 2, it is worth mentioning the possible fine for Charles Leclerc, who ended up under investigation by the stewards for having taken to the track with intermediate tires before the race direction confirmed the wet track.
