Formula 1: Canadian GP Review

Max Verstappen had a fuss-free Canadian Grand Prix and equaled Ayrton Senna’s 41 race wins. 

Not too far behind the Dutch driver was Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso who returned to the podium and fellow multiple world champion Lewis Hamilton. 

Dominant Dutchman

Verstappen increased his lead over Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez to 69 points in the world championship after the Mexican could only manage sixth place in Montreal.

The two-time world champion has grown in leaps and bounds to dominate races with ease. His race wasn’t deterred by hitting a bird early on and he giggled over the team radio when the RB19 was launched over a kerb.  

Verstappen is without a doubt the overwhelming favourite to add to his world titles and a sixth victory from eight GP is an indication the season may become rather boring. 

Verstappen has scored over 40% of Red Bull’s victories, and he hasn’t shown any signs of taking his foot off the accelerator. 

Red Bull has won 18 of the last 19 races, and questions are being pointed at Perez’s disappointing form in comparison to the rock-solid Verstappen. 

Alonso And Hamilton Resume Battle

Behind the leading Red Bull driver I witnessed, as did many others, the brilliant battle between two of the sports legends.

Hamilton started P3, got the jump on the Spaniard off the line, and the duo traded blows throughout the race. 

The British driver muscled his Mercedes ahead of the Aston Martin in the pitlane during the safety car period to keep track position. 

However, the impressive pace of the AMR23 once again embarrassed the works team and Hamilton was relegated to third place. His teammate George Russell was forced to retire after a crash into the wall damaged the W13. 

Awesome Albon

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished just outside the podium places in fourth and fifth. 

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished just outside the podium places in fourth and fifth. 

Thankfully the call was correct and the duo was able to manage their tyres well and come out in front of the midfield DRS train after pitting. 

There was no question about who won the Driver of the Day award, Williams’ Alex Albon put on a superb defensive display. The British Thai driver scooped six points to finish ahead of Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, Lance Stroll in ninth for Aston Martin, and Valtteri Bottas in 10th for Alfa Romeo.

There was no question about who won the Driver of the Day award, Williams’ Alex Albon put on a superb defensive display. The British Thai driver scooped six points to finish ahead of Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, Lance Stroll in ninth for Aston Martin, and Valtteri Bottas in 10th for Alfa Romeo.

Listen to a review of the race below:

DRIVERS’ AND CONSTRUCTORS’ STANDINGS AFTER THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX

Drivers

1. Max Verstappen (NED) 195 pts, 

2. Sergio Perez (MEX) 126, 

3. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 117, 

4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 102, 

5. Carlos Sainz (ESP) 68, 

6. George Russell (GBR) 65, 

7. Charles Leclerc (MON) 54, 

8. Lance Stroll (CAN) 37, 

9. Esteban Ocon (FRA) 29, 

10. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 15, 

11. Lando Norris (GBR) 12, 

12. Alexander Albon (THA) 7, 

13. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) 6, 

14. Oscar Piastri (AUS) 5, 

15. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 5, 

16. Zhou Guanyu (CHN) 4, 

17. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) 2, 

18. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 2, 

19. Nyck de Vries (NED) 0, 

20. Logan Sargeant (USA) 0

Constructors

1. Red Bull 321 pts, 

2. Mercedes 167, 

3. Aston Martin-Mercedes 154, 

4. Ferrari 122, 

5. Alpine-Renault 44, 

6. McLaren-Mercedes 17, 

7. Alfa Romeo-Ferrari 9, 

8. Haas-Ferrari 8, 

9. Williams-Mercedes 7, 

10. AlphaTauri-Red Bull 2

Sean Parker

Sean Parker is a motorsport journalist and sports content creator at The South African. He has worked for the country's premier motoring publications, and is a Formula 1 contributor to Bet.co.za, the Bet Central podcast, and Vision View Sports radio.