George Russell seems to find an extra gear every time he hits the track in Montreal. At the 2025 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver claimed pole position with a flawless performance in qualifying. George Russell’s Canadian GP pole marks his second consecutive in Montreal, showing his growing command on this circuit.
This year’s qualifying session delivered plenty of drama and shifting pace. From the outset, Russell showed promise. He led early in Q1, but the session was quickly disrupted when debris from Alex Albon’s Williams forced a red flag. After the restart, Lando Norris briefly surged ahead, with Piastri and Leclerc close behind. Verstappen, however, stayed quietly threatening in the background.
As Q2 kicked off, Verstappen hit the track early and set the pace on Mediums. But the surprises kept coming. Charles Leclerc went fastest for Ferrari before Russell responded on Mediums again, reclaiming the top spot and raising eyebrows in the paddock. McLaren’s Piastri and Norris remained firmly in contention, while Racing Bulls’ rookie Isack Hadjar edged out Tsunoda for a Q3 spot.
The final session, Q3, was a rollercoaster. Leclerc led the initial push, followed by a fast lap from Piastri. Verstappen soon responded, grabbing provisional pole. But the drama was far from over. On their last flying laps, Piastri set a blistering 1:11.120. Verstappen beat it with a 1:11.059 on Medium tyres. Then came Russell. The Mercedes man clocked a remarkable 1:10.899, seizing pole by 0.160 seconds.
Mercedes and Russell Shine in Montreal
This performance isn’t just another good Saturday for Russell; it signals a genuine upward trend for Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s teammate, delivered an impressive fourth, while Hamilton slotted into fifth. The team’s pace on Mediums was particularly telling.
Russell’s control and confidence, especially in the final sector, made the difference. His ability to find grip and push harder while others struggled on Softs gave him the advantage.
Red Bull and McLaren Stay Close
Max Verstappen did what Verstappen does, maximize what was available. Though he couldn’t match Russell, his lap on Mediums was a strong statement. Behind him, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri continued to impress. His provisional pole showed he’s not just consistent, but fast when it counts.
Lando Norris, on the other hand, had a tough session. Despite his pace in practice, a mistake in Q3 cost him dearly, leaving him in seventh place.
Midfield Surprises and Setbacks
Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso both showed flashes of speed, but neither could maintain consistency. Isack Hadjar’s top-10 performance was one of the surprises of the session, while Yuki Tsunoda’s grid penalty means he’ll start from the back.
Further down the grid, the likes of Sainz, Stroll, and Gasly struggled. For Sauber and Alpine, it was a disappointing outing that leaves much to fix ahead of race day.
Power and Performance Highlights
George Russell’s Mercedes ran a precise setup, maximizing grip and balance. His lap of 1:10.899 was the quickest of the weekend, showcasing top-tier downforce and control. The W15 Mercedes seems to finally be delivering on its promise.
Verstappen’s Red Bull showed strong top-end speed, especially on Mediums, while McLaren’s Piastri pushed through with fresh Softs for added traction. It’s a tight battle between the top three, and the race could go either way.
Summary
George Russell’s Canadian GP pole wasn’t just a quick lap, it was a statement. Mercedes is back in form, and Russell is proving he’s ready to lead the charge. With Verstappen and Piastri lurking just behind, the race promises edge-of-your-seat action.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects results as of qualifying for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.
| Practice 1 Results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pos | Driver | Car |
| 1 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 4 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 6 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 7 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 8 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 9 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| 10 | Alexander Albon | Williams |
| 11 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull Racing |
| 12 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 13 | Nico Hulkenberg | Kick Sauber |
| 14 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team |
| 15 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team |
| 16 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Kick Sauber |
| 17 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 19 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 20 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
