Stunning Shakeup at Canadian GP: Hamilton Shocks Everyone in FP3
In an exhilarating climax to the last Free Practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton seized the top spot with an impressive time of 1:12.549. The seven-time world champion showcased his enduring skill on the Montreal circuit, beating out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Top Contenders
Hamilton's performance was a testament to his relentless determination and the finesse of Mercedes engineering. Verstappen, who clocked in at 1:12.923, trailed Hamilton by a mere 0.374 seconds, while Russell rounded off the top three with a time of 1:12.957, just 0.408 seconds behind Hamilton. This intense competition among the top drivers set the stage for what promises to be a nail-biting qualifying session.
Aston Martin and McLaren Shine
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll delivered a remarkable performance, finishing fourth with a time of 1:13.026. The Canadian driver, buoyed by the hometown crowd, was just 0.477 seconds off the pace. McLaren's Oscar Piastri grabbed fifth place with a solid 1:13.266 on the clock, showcasing the team's competitive edge this season.
Not far behind, Daniel Ricciardo made a strong statement for Red Bull with a sixth-place finish, timing in at 1:13.279. The Australian driver’s smooth control and fierce determination were evident as he navigated the tricky Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Lando Norris, another McLaren ace, secured seventh place, clocking in at 1:13.293, displaying the depth of McLaren’s driving talent and technical prowess.
Top Ten Finishers
Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin rounded out the top eight, with a commendable time of 1:13.340, remaining consistent despite stiff competition. Red Bull's Sergio Perez, charging hard, finished ninth with a time of 1:13.342, a hair's breadth from Alonso. Lastly, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc rounded out the top ten, registering a time of 1:13.349, just 0.800 seconds shy of Hamilton’s leading time.
Midfield Battles
The midfield battle was no less fierce, with Haas' Kevin Magnussen putting in a solid lap of 1:13.439, placing him in 11th position. Carlos Sainz Jr of Ferrari finished 12th, while Sauber's Valtteri Bottas and Williams’ Logan Sargeant took the 13th and 14th spots respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda driving for Red Bull placed 15th, followed closely by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly in 16th position. Nico Hulkenberg from Haas finished 17th, showcasing the tight margins that are the hallmark of Formula One racing.
Struggling at the Back
The back of the grid saw Williams' Alex Albon in 18th place with a time of 1:13.880, Alpine's Esteban Ocon in 19th, and Sauber’s Guanyu Zhou bringing up the rear. Zhou faced significant challenges, completing only four laps and ending with a time of 1:18.656.
The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix promises an intense qualifying session and race, with Hamilton leading the charge. As the teams prepare for the next stage, the performance uncertainties and emerging rivalries add a layer of excitement for fans and teams alike. Keep an eye on Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren as they battle for supremacy in Montreal.