After three long years of waiting, Formula 1 fans could finally return to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal at the ever-popular Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Tickets for the 2022 edition sold out in a few hours as anticipation was high for a thrilling race and fans would not be disappointed all weekend long. 

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen came to Canada seeking to further extend his championship lead in the drivers standing while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was hoping to gain valuable points on his Dutch rival. Lewis Hamilton driving for Mercedes was the last driver to win in Montreal and many will recall how it was a controversial win at best. 

Sebastien Vettel who at the time drove for Ferrari crossed the finish line in the first place but due to a five-second penalty gave up the top podium spot to Hamilton. Could Ferrari redeem itself in 2022? 

 

QUALIFYING 

Rain ad cool temperatures played a major during qualifying as drivers and teams had debated which sort of tires to use on a track that was both wet and slowly drying in different sectors of the circuit. Fernando Alonso and his Alpine had the surprise performance of the day wowing fans with an amazing qualifying run landing the former world champion in second place. 

Ferrari had their fate being controlled out of their hands due to changing Leclerc’s power unit which meant no matter how high he qualified he would start at the back of the grid. It was Verstappen who claimed his second pole position of the season placing him in a prime position to lead and win the race. 

 

RACE

The weather was very different on race day as the clouds parted and blue sunny skies shone about Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. With plenty on the line, the race began with a roar of engines as all the F1 teams took off in their quest for the podium. Verstappen had no problems holding off Alonso at the heading into the infamous “Senna” first corner of the race. 

It was Carlos Sainz Jr driving for Ferrari who was the biggest threat to Verstappen. Sainz chased Verstappen for most of the race but could not catch the Red Bull ahead of him even with DRS’ help. Verstappen won the race under complete control unbothered by the red Ferrari in his mirrors. 

This was Verstappen’s seventh victory of the season in nine races making it clear if anyone had any hope for a championship it must go through him. Carlos Sainz Jr finished in second place followed by Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes in third place.

 

QUICK STATS:

• Max Verstappen’s win was his first at the Canadian Grand Prix 
• Lewis Hamilton’s third-place finish was his first podium of the season
• Carlos Sainz Jr scored the fastest lap of the race 1:15.749 
• Canada’s and Montreal native Lance Stroll finished in tenth place scoring 1 point.