Lewis Hamilton Sparks Ferrari Revival as Championship Leader F…read more
The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix weekend in Montreal delivered another wave of drama and surprise as Ferrari emerged as a strong contender during the final practice session. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc led Ferrari’s continued resurgence by placing two of the four fastest times in the qualifying simulation runs, signaling a potential shift in momentum for the Italian team. After a difficult start to the season, Ferrari’s upgrades appear to be taking hold at a crucial point in the calendar, with both drivers showcasing promising pace on a tricky Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
In stark contrast, McLaren’s weekend took a serious downturn. Following a lackluster Friday that Lando Norris described as their “worst of the year,” the team hoped for a turnaround in Saturday’s third and final practice session. Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse when Oscar Piastri made contact with the notorious Wall of Champions at the exit of the final chicane. The impact punctured his right-rear tyre and inflicted damage to his papaya-colored car, bringing out a red flag as stewards were forced to pause the session to clear debris from the track.
Despite the incident, McLaren managed to extract a glimmer of positivity later in the session. Lando Norris provided a much-needed boost for the team by setting the fastest time in the qualifying simulation runs during the latter stages of FP3. It was a performance that hinted at untapped potential despite the earlier troubles and gave the team some hope heading into qualifying and Sunday’s race.
Meanwhile, Red Bull, who have dominated the championship so far this season, found themselves unusually off the pace in Montreal. Max Verstappen, the current championship leader, expressed concerns over brake issues, stating that he lacked confidence in the braking performance around the tight and technical corners of the circuit. The problems appeared serious enough to impact his rhythm and pace throughout the session.
Red Bull’s issues didn’t end there. Yuki Tsunoda, driving for Red Bull’s sister team, spent almost the entire session in the garage due to major brake problems. Mechanics were seen working on what looked to be a completely disassembled brake system, significantly limiting Tsunoda’s time on track. The lack of running could have consequences for his qualifying position, especially as consistency and rhythm are crucial at a circuit as punishing as Montreal.
To make matters more complicated for the Japanese driver, Tsunoda and rookie Franco Colapinto were placed under investigation by the stewards for potential red flag infringements. If penalized, either or both drivers could face grid penalties, further complicating their Canadian GP campaigns.
As the championship battle intensifies, Ferrari’s performance in Montreal could not have come at a better time. The team has struggled to consistently challenge Red Bull this season, but Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s pace in final practice suggest that they could pose a genuine threat this weekend. For Hamilton, a potential podium—or even a win—would be monumental, both for Ferrari and his personal legacy. The seven-time world champion has shown flashes of brilliance in his first season in red, and the Canadian GP could mark a turning point in his 2025 campaign.
The final practice session has undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling qualifying round and an unpredictable race. With Ferrari on the rise, Red Bull faltering, and McLaren scrambling to recover, the Canadian Grand Prix looks set to deliver a weekend of high stakes and high drama. All eyes will be on how these narratives unfold as the action continues in Montreal.
