Montreal specialist Lewis Hamilton set a blistering tempo to edge Max Verstappen by virtually four-tenths of a second in a remaining follow session that appeared to present Mercedes an actual hope of qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Hamilton, the general file variety of victories on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit with seven – together with his very first in F1 in 2007 – appeared visibly upbeat about Mercedes’ prospects this weekend after the opening marketing campaign, regardless of that Friday’s race was severely compromised by rain.
The seven-time world champion has but to qualify larger than seventh for the 2024 Grand Prix, however armed with the latest-spec W15 entrance wing for the primary time on Saturday, Hamilton caught the attention within the first full dry session. with a powerful greatest lap of 1:12.549.
Crimson Bull rival Verstappen labored his method as much as second by the top of the session, however the championship chief nonetheless trailed Mercedes by 0.374 seconds.
Within the remaining minutes of the session, Verstappen additionally cleaned the notorious “Wall of Champions” – the ultimate nook of the observe – with the fitting rear wheel of his RB20.
Qualifying begins at 9pm dwell on Sky Sports activities F1, with follow from 8pm.
Underscoring Mercedes’ clear promise, George Russell was third within the second W15 – albeit four-tenths behind his team-mate – with Canadian Lance Stroll fourth for Aston Martin and McLaren’s Oscar Piastre in fifth.
Many pundits tipped Monaco-winning Ferrari to be quickest in Canada, however they fell brief in remaining follow, with Charles Leclerc ending tenth and Carlos Sainz twelfth.
“We’re very sluggish,” Leclerc mentioned in a apprehensive tone over the Ferrari staff radio.
Groups used the final hour of working earlier than qualifying to make up for misplaced time after Friday’s two periods have been badly compromised by intermittent rain.
With no scarcity of recent slick tire units obtainable, it was a decent session as groups battled to search out the proper set-up for his or her automobiles on the all-new observe floor for this 12 months.
Zhou crashed his Sauber for the second time in two days, prompting a purple flag.
Simply six minutes into the ultimate follow session, Zhou misplaced management of the automotive going by the primary chicane, spun and went off the observe after hitting the barrier from behind.
“I don’t know what occurred to the automotive,” Zhou mentioned in bewilderment over the staff’s radio.
“The automotive is so superb, man, it simply locks within the again.”
Alex Albon was one other driver who brought about noticeable injury to his automotive, the Williams driver himself marking the Wall of Champions.
Sky Sports activities F1 – Canadian Grand Prix dwell schedule
20:00: Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix
21:00: Canadian Grand Prix qualifying
11:00 p.m.: Ted’s qualifying pocket book
Sunday, June 9
5:30 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday – Canadian Grand Prix build-up
19:00: CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
21:00: Checkered flag – Canadian GP response
10:00 p.m.: Ted’s Pocket book
Components 1 is in Montreal as a part of the Canadian Grand Prix and you’ll watch each session on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit this weekend dwell on Sky Sports activities F1, with Sunday’s race at 7pm. Stream each F1 race and extra with NOW Sports activities Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime