Analysis of the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix – By Joe Murphy
The runaway leader claimed another 25 points after an eventful instalment of this Formula 1 season, from Montreal. After a super wet qualifying shook up the grid somewhat, Max Verstappen managed to hold off challenges from Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, to extend his lead of the top of the standings. Let’s evaluate events across the grid from this action-packed weekend.
Silver Sainz yet again as Dutch lion remains golden…
He may have put the pressure on the reigning World Champion during the closing stages of Montreal’s race this past Sunday, but Carlos Sainz ultimately came up short yet again in his pursuit of a maiden race victory. In truth, Max Verstappen deserved his win, controlling the majority of the race following his strong qualifying performance on Saturday which lead to another Pole Position. A late Safety Car after Yuki Tsunoda’s pit lane exit mishap, gave the others a chance, but the Dutchman kept the challenger’s behind him to extend his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings. For Carlos, second place is still a good points haul for his team, aided with an excellent recovery drive from his teammate who eventually crossed the line in fifth. However, the wait to stand on the top podium step, continues.
Fernando is (not) faster than you…
Qualifying on Saturday showed signs of the old Fernando Alonso who claimed back-to-back World Titles in 2005 and 2006. However, a questionable race stretegy cost him dear. He was still on for a decent points finish but was racing Lewis Hamilton for that final podium position in the early stages. He then downgraded his expectations to race the resurgent Charles Leclerc before eventually being beat by both of them and his teammate. To add to his despair, a late penalty for weaving dropped him back to ninth, meaning a front row on Saturday had been relegated by seven places. Both driver and team would have been hoping for much more than two points.
Some say that Zhou is still behind Stroll…
During the mid-race lull, it was quite entertaining to watch a frustrated Guanya Zhou become stuck behind Lance Stroll for what felt like the entire race. In actuality, it was a strong performance from the Chinese driver, and who knows where he could have finished had he got passed the homecoming Canadian’s Aston Martin perhaps twenty laps earlier than he eventually did. Still, a solid performance and points finish for Alfa Romeo and both their drivers. Despite his frustration, Zhou can be proud of his efforts. To an extent, so can Lance who executed some excellent driving, before eventually ending up with a point in tenth and ahead his teammate for only the second occasion this season.
Dream for Lewis but nightmare for Lando ahead of homecoming…
The British drivers suffered contrasting fates in Canada. For Lewis Hamilton, it was a deserved yet surprising 184th podium finish, following a disasterous Friday and Saturday in which his Mercedes was described by the man himself as “undriveable”. As for George Russell, he may not have outperformed his veteran teammate on this occasion, but more solid points meant his consistency shone yet again. Fourth place is about as the tean could have expected for the younger Mercedes British driver. For Lando Norris, it just wasn’t his weekend. A combination of poor luck, sub-optimal strategy and a pit lane error saw him finish well off the points and behind his teammate for the second successive Grand Prix. As we head to Silverstone for our next event, it is Lando that will be hoping for a much better showing in front of his adoring home fans.
Taking the Mick…
Qualifying in P6. Perez out. Leclerc starting on the back row. Surely, this was the weekend that Mick Schumacher finished in the points? Alas, not. Whilst sixth would have been optimistic, the Haas team would have surely expected at least one of their drivers to bring home multiple points. Unfortunately for the American outfit, Kevin Magnussen brushed Lewis Hamilton and had to pit for a new front wing, effectively costing him his race. Even more of a shame considering he was fifth at the time. For Mick, he slipped back a couple of places but was then starting to settle into his rhythm ahead of the Alfa Romeo pair. But then, he suffered a sudden mechanical issues which resulted in his immediate retirement. Haas, who started so positively, now sit only above Williams in the Constructors Championship Standings. They will be hoping for better when Formula 1 returns to the UK, next time out.
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