The Sprint Analysis in Canada
The first Sprint on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal was fought entertainingly, although from a “racing” point of view there are generally positive and negative aspects to highlight, at least based on what was seen in the short race. On one hand, in fact, the circuit with many heavy braking zones, together with the recently introduced regulatory changes, seems to really minimize the energy recovery issue that has plagued this first part of the season, delivering a competitive race, and a hard-driven style both in qualifying and race pace. On the other hand, the whole part of overtaking assistance that these new rules were supposed to bring already seems to be becoming elusive, with the top three long held within just one second but unable to attack each other.
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Russell wins by elbowing: Mercedes still winning but vulnerable
That said, the sprint was clearly animated by the fight at the front. George Russell came out well, victorious thanks to a good start and then a fierce defense of his position, in the first part from the aggressive Antonelli, and in the last from an excellent Lando Norris. Mercedes curiously chose to start on medium tires already 6 laps old, but in general the “gaps” seen in qualifying also appeared in the race, with a pace only aligned with that of McLaren, but not really superior. The impression is that the large upgrade package brought to the track by the Brackley team needs time to be truly understood and exploited, and this can only increase curiosity ahead of qualifying for the Grand Prix. The natural question that arises is whether Mercedes will be able to find a better balance and thus open an important gap with rivals or if it will be forced to fight or even be vulnerable both in qualifying and in the race.
Antonelli faster and more aggressive
It must also be said that the clear impression was of a Antonelli faster than Russell in race pace, a very significant indicator of the form of the two drivers. The young Italian tried to attack but ended up paying the consequences. In general, we find it correct not to settle, but obviously Antonelli cannot expect his rival in the title fight to leave the door open for him. For this reason, beyond Antonelli’s maneuver, which could have been acceptable, the somewhat less sensible thing was the outburst on the radio, moreover asking for a penalty for his teammate, which is never done. In this sense, Toto Wolff’s words over the radio were more than understandable and correct. It remains to be seen what will happen in qualifying because an Antonelli faster than Russell on this track would define a trend seen in recent races that is really significant also in championship terms.
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McLaren on par, Ferrari 3 tenths behind. Hamilton fast but Leclerc is coming
Well, as mentioned, McLaren, with Norris on the same level as Russell in terms of performance, while Ferrari cannot go beyond the third force despite a good car setup and a decent pace, but with an engine deficiency, especially in traction, too evident, which often forces the drivers to push hard on the tires in the twisty sections to keep up on the straights, ending up with less performance than rivals on the tires at the end of the stint. On average the Reds suffered about 3 tenths gap from the leader, so in line if not lower than what has been seen so far this season and considering the horsepower deficiency it is already a result to take positively. A pity for Hamilton’s difficulties at the end who had a moment of crisis after driving very well throughout the first part of the race, including an excellent start. Leclerc appeared more comfortable compared to qualifying and confirmed having a series of brake problems that they hope will be resolved already for qualifying. The Monegasque showed good feeling with the car in the race but some gap compared to Hamilton in qualifying, and the internal battle between them will be another very interesting aspect to follow.
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