Montreal (Canada), 9 June 2024 – From riches to rags and vice versa. There Ferrari has collapsed after the triumph of just two weeks ago at Montecarlothe Mercedes she resurfaced like a phoenix without anyone seeing her coming. The first two days of the weekend of Canadian Grand Prix they turned on new lights and put out some flames that were blazing instead, creating confusion that perhaps the workers themselves could not have foreseen at all. What is consistent, despite the difficulties and obstacles to overcome on one’s path, is that Max Verstappen who continues to keep things going at home Red Bullwhere Sergio Perez he surprised in the negative, for the umpteenth time and on the weekend of his contract renewal. Let’s briefly analyze what happened yesterday in the qualifying session and then evaluate, as far as possible, what could happen in this evening’s Grand Prix.
A thrilling qualification
Let’s start with unexpected disasters. There Ferrari seems to have returned to earth, after the weekend of Montecarlo had perhaps clouded the vision of those most fond of the Prancing Horse. The track of Canada has been indicated, since the beginning of the season, as one of those stages not to be missed for the Maranello team: layout suitable for the characteristics of the SF-24, Red Bull who should instead suffer. Reality has instead shattered expectations. A failed strategy in Q2 left Charles out of the top ten Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who however also suffered during the third free practice session, regardless of the mistakes made on the wall in the key moment. Friday may not even be taken into consideration, due to the bad weather which did not allow the teams to run as desired, but just yesterday the Reds appeared to be at a performance deficit compared to their opponents. On the flying lap there didn’t seem to be enough, on the race pace there seemed to be enough; the problem, however, is starting in the middle of the big group. In front, however, Verstappen he perhaps performed a miracle, judging by what he showed on the track Perez, unless the Mexican is to be assessed as completely on the ball; the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle. The fact is, however, that Super Max will start second after recording the exact same pole position time set by George Russell, who crossed the finish line with that satisfying 1:12,000 before him. Further back is his teammate in Mercedes, the now separated Lewis Hamilton, struggling with a team that most likely now tends to favor the youngest Briton at the wheel of the Silver Arrows in every way. From applause there McLaren, who confirms himself to be very fast everywhere and can believe in victory. Racing Bulls amazing: Ricciardo in fifth place he sweeps away the controversies raised by Jacques Villeneuve on his presence on the starting grid in 2024 and Tsunoda confirms to be in excellent shape.
Predictions for the Grand Prix
Crazy weather, uncertain strategies and a resurfaced track. This is the pyrotechnic mix that awaits the drivers for this evening’s Grand Prix Montreal. Let’s start with the first variable: stable, sunny weather and no obstacles Safety Car or red flags. The teams should proceed with two pit stops to complete the 70 scheduled laps, with the option media-hard-hard favored over the one with double medium and one hard tyre. The impact will be on graining, characteristic of a completely resurfaced track like this and therefore “clean”. Whoever knows how to keep this annoying phenomenon at bay and clean the tires as the laps go by could even risk risking the race on a single pit stop. In the event that things went this way, for the Ferrari it will be a Sunday of suffering. The positions to climb up to get to the podium seem too many and the competition too numerous: a placing of the two cars in the top eight could already be enough to save the weekend. Verstappen the victory will be played more with the two McLaren that with Russell, who will start on pole. There Mercedes it is a continuous unknown, since it has a very small operating window. Yesterday the weather and asphalt conditions were perfect, if they aren’t perfect tonight it will be difficult for the Briton to even get on the podium. However, if bad weather arrives, the Grand Prix will become absolutely unpredictable. It will be necessary to evaluate the pace of the various single-seaters in the rain, possible Safety Car incidents and above all red flags, which could also put even the two Ferraris back in the running for the podium. Read also: Ferrari, own goal with tires in Canada
