George Russell Outpaces Verstappen for Canadian GP Pole as Red Bull Star Starts from Back of Grid
George Russell delivered a sensational performance in qualifying at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, securing pole position and outshining Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in what was their first major on-track duel since their controversial collision in Barcelona. Russell’s blistering lap around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve clocked in at 1:10.899, earning him the top spot on the grid and setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling race day.
Max Verstappen, who had looked strong throughout the weekend, was forced to settle for second place after falling 0.160 seconds short of Russell’s pace. While the Dutchman will technically line up second, a looming issue will see him start at the very back of the grid. This is due to Yuki Tsunoda receiving a ten-place grid penalty, which when combined with a Q2 elimination, leaves him starting last—bumping Verstappen into an unenviable position as well due to an impending Red Bull component penalty.
McLaren, a team that had shown dominance in previous rounds, experienced a mixed bag in qualifying. Oscar Piastri managed a strong lap to take third place, just over two-tenths off Russell’s pace, but his teammate Lando Norris couldn’t match the performance. Norris struggled with multiple errors during his final runs and will start the race from seventh on the grid.
Lewis Hamilton, who has enjoyed a resurgence this weekend, continued his return to form by qualifying fifth—his joint-best result of the season. The seven-time world champion seems to be rediscovering his rhythm, much to the delight of Ferrari fans. His teammate Charles Leclerc, still reeling from his disqualification at the Monaco Grand Prix and a crash in FP1, could only manage eighth.
The session wasn’t short on drama either. Q1 was interrupted by an unusual red flag incident when the engine cover of Alex Albon’s Williams detached and flew off on the main straight, scattering debris across the track. The delay sent Williams mechanics into a frenzy, but they impressively managed to repair the damage and send Albon back out in time to make it into Q2. He ultimately qualified in 10th.
Meanwhile, rookie Kimi Antonelli continued to impress with a solid fourth-place finish in the second Mercedes, less than half a second off Russell. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso secured sixth, showing consistency despite the car’s fluctuating form this season.
In the midfield, it was a challenging session for several big names. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Canadian hometown hero Lance Stroll were both knocked out in Q1. Sainz’s exit was particularly controversial as he was heavily impeded on his final flying lap by Isack Hadjar, who now faces a likely three-place grid drop for blocking. Hadjar still managed to qualify ninth for Racing Bulls.
Yuki Tsunoda, despite Red Bull’s confidence, didn’t make it past Q2 and with his ten-place grid penalty, he’ll start from the very back. Alpine’s Franco Colapinto, Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg, Haas pair Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon also failed to reach Q3, joining Tsunoda in the Q2 elimination list.
In Q1, along with Sainz and Stroll, Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) were all unable to progress beyond the first round.
Final Qualifying Results – 2025 Canadian GP (Top 10):
1. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:10.899
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +0.160s
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.221s
4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +0.492s
5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.627s
6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +0.687s
7. Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.726s
8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.783s
9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – +0.968s
10. Alex Albon (Williams) – +1.008s
As the race looms, all eyes will be on how Russell handles pressure from the front, whether Verstappen can charge through the field, and if the grid penalties and surprises in qualifying will shake up the championship standings.
