Qualifying for the Components 1 Canadian Grand Prix might be among the many most unsure of 2025. Ferrari is among the most important contenders on Saturday in Montreal, no less than on paper: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed this morning’s ultimate free follow session in second and fourth place respectively, exhibiting a aggressive SF-25 over a single lap on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, a rarity on this 2025 Components 1 season, Monte Carlo apart.
The Monegasque driver successfully solely participated on this morning’s session after yesterday’s crash in FP1, additionally attempting some race tempo runs with occasions that had been very, very fascinating, clearly discounting gas hundreds and different variables. The novelty this weekend is the obvious competitiveness of the automotive over a qualifying lap, although it nonetheless has to take care of the same old McLaren MCL39 automobiles and a George Russell who appears really comfy this weekend.
Now let’s take an in depth have a look at how occasions unfolded for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton within the qualifying session for the Canadian Grand Prix:
The 2 Ferrari drivers settle into their respective automobiles with targeted expressions, conscious that they could have extra to combat for right now than in current races. When the lights go inexperienced, each energy models are fired up with a couple of minutes’ delay. Closing system checks are accomplished, and the inexperienced gentle is given to start out Q1. The whole lot is prepared for the primary time assault.
For the primary qualifying try, each SF-25 automobiles are fitted with new Delicate tyres. Nice consideration is paid through the warm-up part to accurately activate the compound. Lewis Hamilton instantly misses the braking level at Flip 1, pressured to decelerate because of excessively low temperatures on the entrance tyres. His Maranello teammate additionally experiences the identical subject however chooses to finish the flying lap anyway.
It’s clear that the tyres weren’t but inside the optimum working window. On the next lap, the Briton tries once more however makes a mistake on the Flip 8-9 chicane, lacking the apex. The sensation in comparison with FP3 just isn’t the identical, an indication that both observe circumstances or tyre administration is affecting the automotive. The SF-25 exhibits indicators of understeer, seemingly linked to the issue of getting the tyres to work correctly.
On the third lap, grip improves for each Ferrari drivers, repeating what was noticed in FP3. It will likely be essential for Ferrari to grasp learn how to maximise tyre potential, or else the remainder of qualifying might turn out to be problematic. Bryan Bozzi offers Charles Leclerc with an in depth evaluation of the lap, specializing in important areas.
The chicane between Turns 6 and seven stays a tough part, with the setup nonetheless not offering full steadiness in that half. Warning: purple flag as a result of engine cowl explosion on Alex Albon’s Williams, with simply over 5 minutes left in Q1. Lewis Hamilton race engineer Riccardo Adami advises the Briton to focus extra on the exit of Flip 8 to realize pace on the straight earlier than the hairpin.
Each drivers encounter site visitors upon returning to the observe, however Charles Leclerc handles it extra calmly. The Monegasque seems extra exact, whereas his teammate makes some errors. The seven-time Components 1 world champion is third, forward of his teammate. Eradicated in Q1 are Gabriel Bortoleto, Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, and Pierre Gasly. Within the opening part of qualifying, Aston Martin adopts the identical technique seen at Imola, becoming Medium tyres. The selection proves efficient, particularly with Alonso, who units very aggressive occasions. It’s not out of the query that Ferrari may additionally take into account this compound. In the meantime, the observe is shortly energetic once more and the Ferrari automobiles head out as soon as extra on C6 Pirellis, however this time already used.
The occasions of the Crimson automobiles are nonetheless fascinating, contemplating the tyres have already got 14 laps on them. The 2 Ferrari automobiles place instantly behind the McLarens, however what surprises is Max Verstappen, who goes quickest utilizing Mediums. Whereas Charles Leclerc pits to suit a recent set of Softs, Hamilton stays out and makes an attempt one other lap.
The Monegasque returns to motion and prompts push mode, delivering an distinctive lap that places him on the high of the standings. After that assault, he strikes right into a cool-down part simply as Lewis Hamilton comes into the pits for a quick cease. Shortly after, the Brit additionally returns to the observe with a brand new set of C6s: Ferrari is attempting to grasp learn how to use these tyres.
The ultimate a part of Q3 guarantees to be tough, with only a few legitimate alternatives to set a aggressive time. Charles Leclerc appeared on tempo for an excellent lap, however a mistake forces him to elevate off. Lewis Hamilton, alternatively, runs into site visitors from Alex Albon and postpones his try. Ferrari’s pit wall instantly calls him again in, deeming his earlier time enough to maneuver on to the subsequent part. Eradicated: Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, Nico Hulkenberg, Oliver Bearman, and Esteban Ocon.
Lewis Hamilton is the primary to go away the storage, adopted shortly by his teammate. Each fastidiously handle the warm-up part, significantly for the entrance axle. The Briton makes a mistake after Flip 1 and lifts off, whereas Charles Leclerc, regardless of additionally making an error, decides to proceed anyway.
The primary lap from automotive #16 doesn’t stay as much as expectations, however the Monegasque driver decides to remain out and try one other lap with out pitting. In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton completes a good try however stays practically six tenths off the highest. Leclerc improves by a tenth, however total, the primary run is disappointing. As soon as once more, the issue in getting the tyres into the suitable temperature window on the primary try turns into evident.
After a brief cease, each drivers return to the observe for a ultimate shot. Lewis Hamilton begins the sequence however, as typical, has to right his line out of Flip 1, instantly shedding time. The remainder of the lap is extra strong, although not good, and he briefly climbs to fourth place. Then comes Charles Leclerc’s flip, and sadly, issues disintegrate.
The Monegasque’s lap begins with good potential, dealing with the primary important part properly. However at Flip 6, he enters too shortly, fully lacking the racing line. In attempting to recuperate on exit, he loses grip and the rear steps out. Charles Leclerc vents over the radio, complaining in regards to the behaviour of a Crimson Bull that, nonetheless, doesn’t seem to have really blocked him. As soon as once more, Ferrari stumbles on the tyre subject: a recurring side that sadly repeats itself exactly at key moments.
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