Qualifying for the Method 1 Canadian Grand Prix might be among the many most unsure of 2025. Ferrari is without doubt one of the major contenders on Saturday in Montreal, at the very least on paper: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed this morning’s closing free apply session in second and fourth place respectively, displaying a aggressive SF-25 over a single lap on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, a rarity on this 2025 Method 1 season, Monte Carlo apart.
The Monegasque driver successfully solely participated on this morning’s session after yesterday’s crash in FP1, additionally making an attempt some race tempo runs with instances that have been very, very attention-grabbing, clearly discounting gas hundreds and different variables. The novelty this weekend is the obvious competitiveness of the automobile over a qualifying lap, although it nonetheless has to cope with the same old McLaren MCL39 vehicles and a George Russell who appears actually 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 vehicles with centered expressions, conscious that they may have extra to struggle for at present than in current races. When the lights go inexperienced, each energy items are fired up with a couple of minutes’ delay. Closing system checks are accomplished, and the inexperienced gentle is given to begin Q1. Every part is prepared for the primary time assault.
For the primary qualifying try, each SF-25 vehicles are fitted with new Mushy tyres. Nice consideration is paid throughout the warm-up part to accurately activate the compound. Lewis Hamilton instantly misses the braking level at Flip 1, pressured to decelerate resulting from excessively low temperatures on the entrance tyres. His Maranello teammate additionally experiences the identical difficulty however chooses to finish the flying lap anyway.
It’s clear that the tyres weren’t but throughout 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 will not be the identical, an indication that both observe circumstances or tyre administration is affecting the automobile. The SF-25 exhibits indicators of understeer, possible linked to the problem of getting the tyres to work correctly.
On the third lap, grip improves for each Ferrari drivers, repeating what was noticed in FP3. Will probably be essential for Ferrari to grasp the best way to maximise tyre potential, or else the remainder of qualifying may turn out to be problematic. Bryan Bozzi offers Charles Leclerc with an in depth evaluation of the lap, specializing in crucial areas.
The chicane between Turns 6 and seven stays a tough part, with the setup nonetheless not offering full steadiness in that half. Warning: crimson 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 achieve velocity on the straight earlier than the hairpin.
Each drivers encounter 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 Method 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 instances. It’s not out of the query that Ferrari may also think about this compound. In the meantime, the observe is rapidly lively once more and the Ferrari vehicles head out as soon as extra on C6 Pirellis, however this time already used.
The instances of the Crimson vehicles are nonetheless attention-grabbing, contemplating the tyres have already got 14 laps on them. The 2 Ferrari vehicles 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 prime of the standings. After that assault, he strikes right into a cool-down part simply as Lewis Hamilton comes into the pits for a short cease. Shortly after, the Brit additionally returns to the observe with a brand new set of C6s: Ferrari is making an attempt to grasp the best way 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 a great lap, however a mistake forces him to raise off. Lewis Hamilton, alternatively, runs into visitors from Alex Albon and postpones his try. Ferrari’s pit wall instantly calls him again in, deeming his earlier time ample 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 rigorously handle the warm-up part, notably 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 automobile #16 doesn’t reside 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 almost six tenths off the highest. Leclerc improves by a tenth, however total, the primary run is disappointing. As soon as once more, the problem in getting the tyres into the fitting temperature window on the primary try turns into evident.
After a brief cease, each drivers return to the observe for a closing shot. Lewis Hamilton begins the sequence however, as regular, has to right his line out of Flip 1, instantly shedding time. The remainder of the lap is extra stable, although not excellent, and he quickly climbs to fourth place. Then comes Charles Leclerc’s flip, and sadly, issues collapse.
The Monegasque’s lap begins with good potential, dealing with the primary crucial part properly. However at Flip 6, he enters too rapidly, fully lacking the racing line. In making an attempt to get better on exit, he loses grip and the rear steps out. Charles Leclerc vents over the radio, complaining concerning 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 difficulty: a recurring facet that sadly repeats itself exactly at key moments.
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