Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel secured his first pole position of the season yesterday for today’s Canadian Formula One Grand Prix.The German, who won from pole in Montreal last year, edged out world champion Lewis Hamilton into second by just 0.206 seconds with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third fastest in qualifying.Ferrari have made a series of mistakes so far this season but finally have a sliver of light.“Very, very happy for the team. The last few weeks have been tough for us. The car felt good. I hope we can carry that into the race,” said Vettel, who was also quickest in final practice.Championship leaders Mercedes, who have won all six races so far this season, were worried before heading to Canada that the track may suit their rivals better.“I don’t feel disappointment, we gave it everything I had got. They were faster and in the last sector they were killing us,” championship leader Hamilton said. “I’m glad I was able to split the Ferraris.” Fellow Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas had to settle for sixth on the grid, with Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo and Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly ahead of the Finn.Nico Hulkenberg was seventh quickest in his Renault, followed by McLaren duo Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz.Haas driver Kevin Magnussen clipped the wall and smashed into the barrier opposite right at the end of Q2, causing considerable damage to his car and leaving Max Verstappen stranded by the red flag with no chance of sneaking into Q3. Magnussen was placed 10th but may end up with grid penalties so Red Bull’s Verstappen - in 11th - could yet get into the top 10 on the grid, but it was a clear miscalculation from his team to leave him so exposed.It is the first time team-mate Gasly has out-qualified the Dutchman this season.Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso), Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo), Alexander Albon (Toro Rosso) and Romain Grosjean (Haas) also bowed out in Q2 on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which sits on an artificial island in the Saint Lawrence river overlooking the Montreal cityscape.
June 08, 2019 | 11:40 PM