2023 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

High hopes and hot storylines at the Canadian Grand Prix: Prime Tire.
We’re watching three things this week ahead of the Canadian GP. What do Aston Martin’s upgrades look like? Is Canada where McLaren shines? Will Lewis Hamilton play spoiler?
Jun. 13, 2023
By Patrick Iversen (I’m Patrick, and Madeline Coleman will be along shortly. Onwards …)
The Athletic

Last year’s Canadian GP was bridled chaos. Max Verstappen won, sure. But the stuff behind him oscillated between wild and amusing. Kevin Magnussen ran around with a broken front wing until the stewards made him pit after Esteban Ocon tattled on him. Yuki Tsunoda drove straight out of pit lane into the wall. Sergio Pérez’s gearbox failed, setting him back in his title fight (sound familiar?).

Inside the paddock with Madeline Coleman. My coworker Luke Smith can confirm this, but I constantly point out different storylines that have nothing to do with wins, podiums, and points. There are so many intriguing elements about F1 and this year’s grid.

For those of you who want a storyline developing on the grid, how about how Alex Albon eased into a leadership-esque role? The 27-year-old previously had a Red Bull seat before they dropped him into a reserve and test driver role. After a year away from having a full-time seat, Albon returned with Williams last season.

‘High hopes and hot storylines’;

https://theathletic.com/4606005/2023...gp-prime-tire/


F1 NATION: Mercedes on the move, Aston’s upgrades and 50 years of the Safety Car – it’s our Canadian GP preview
13 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

With Verstappen moving 53 points clear of team mate and nearest rival Sergio Perez in the title race, hosts Tom Clarkson and Natalie Pinkham ponder whether the Mexican is feeling the pressure and if he has what it takes to fight back in Montreal.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty to talk about when it comes to the battle for second position in the constructors’ standings, a spot claimed by Mercedes after they used their recent W14 upgrades to secure a double podium finish in Barcelona and jump ahead of Aston Martin.

But Aston Martin are set to fight back with updates of their own at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, while 2023 signing and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso cheekily suggested after his home race that it will be the first and last time he finishes off the podium this season…

‘Canadian GP preview’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...goOftcIP4.html


WET CONDITIONS EXPECTED ONCE AGAIN THIS SEASON IN F1 AT THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX.
F1 heads to the Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve in Canada this weekend.
June 13, 2023
Darius Needham
FormulaNerds

There is a 35% chance of rain on Friday between 1:30pm-2:30pm in Quebec which is when Free Practice One is set to take place. Conditions look better for Free Practice two with their being only a 19% chance of rain in that session. Despite this only being low chance of happening, the track is expected to still be damp through both FP1 and FP2 as there is a 50% chance of rain on Friday morning.

The rain does not stop there as the area is set to have a 60% chance of rainfall on Saturday between 1:30pm-2:30pm, which is during Free Practice Three. This is not expected to improve throughout the day as there is a relatively similar percentage to the chances of rain during Qualifying at 61%. The wet weather could lead to more drama in the session and potentially a grid shake up for the Grand Prix.

However, as things stand, the weather is likely to improve for Sunday’s race with there being no more than a 25% chance of wet conditions across the day.

‘50% chance of rain on Friday, 60% chance of rainfall on Saturday, 25% chance of wet conditions for Sunday’s race’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/we...an-grand-prix/


Red Bull 'determined' to achieve historic milestone at Canadian GP
13 June 3:35PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

Having won every race so far in the 2023 F1 season, Christian Horner has revealed that Red Bull are looking to set a new record in the team's history at the Canadian Grand Prix. Christian Horner has spoken of Red Bull's "determination" to achieve an historic 100th Formula 1 win at the Canadian Grand Prix.

"We've learned from [the Spanish Grand Prix] – did we start the race on the right tyres? Was a Soft tyre a better tyre for the first stint?" Horner told Sky Sports F1. "So that's one of the lessons to take away and for us to analyse where we [can] be better with the car. I think we're just taking things one weekend at a time, one session at a time and not projecting too far ahead."

"Canada is a unique circuit," the Team Principal explained. "It's always great racing there. I think that it's a different challenge. It's a lot of low-speed stuff, a couple of high-speed chicanes. But Checo's run well there before, as has Max, and I think that weather can always be a factor there as well. We're heading there on 99 victories now, so there's a determination to try and get the century at the next one."

‘Red Bull's "determination" to achieve an historic 100th Formula 1 win’;

https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-d...at-canadian-gp


Mercedes expecting direct rivals to be ‘stronger’ in Montreal
12/06/2023 at 17:51
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Mercedes deemed itself satisfied with the performance delivered by its upgraded W14 at the Spanish Grand Prix, but team boss Toto Wolff expects his outfit’s rivals to be “stronger” in Montreal. Mercedes introduced a new front suspension and a heavily revised floor/sidepod package in Monaco, but Barcelona provided a better validation of the changes.

“The gap to Red Bull is large and it will take lots of hard work to close that down. Nevertheless, we're up for the challenge.” Wolff warns that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve won’t cater to the new-found qualities of Mercedes’ car, but come what may the team will fight to defend its turf in the F1’s Constructors’ standings.

“With its long straights and low-speed corners, it's not a track that we expect to suit our car as well as Barcelona did,” added the Austrian. “No matter where the true pace of the car is this weekend, we will aim to maximise our result. The characteristics of the circuit will also provide further opportunity to learn about the W14 and feed into our development path.”

‘Expecting direct rivals to be ‘stronger’ in Montreal’;

https://f1i.com/news/477241-mercedes...-montreal.html


Williams’ Dave Robson: “We expect to be more competitive” with Montréal upgrade package
By Ashley Cline
June 14, 2023
The Checkered Flag

The Canadian Grand Prix is set to be a crucial weekend for Williams Racing, as the team brings a new upgrade package to Alex Albon’s car. Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson said that Friday running in Montréal will be focused on “understanding” the update.

Coming off a tough double-header for the team in Monaco and Spain, Robson expects Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to be a more competitive track for FW45 when compared to the previous two rounds. He added that Gilles-Villeneuve also offers greater overtaking opportunities, which may play into their ability to implement alternative strategies.

“Canada is always an enjoyable event; the circuit lends itself to good racing and there is always a chance of some tricky weather conditions, which can be blistering heat or sudden showers. The track in Montreal should play slightly more to the strengths of the FW45 than Monaco and Barcelona did. Furthermore, we have several upgraded components available this week, which will run on Alex’s car only. We expect to be more competitive, but we will take our time on Friday to understand if the new package is delivering as expected.”

“We expect to be more competitive”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...grade-package/


Alfa Romeo Looking to ‘Replicate’ Impressive 2022 Canadian GP performance
June 13, 2023
By Nick Golding
The Checkered Flag

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Team Representative of Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is hopeful that the Swiss side can score some good points at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, mimicking their 2022 performance at the Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve.

Alfa Romeo head to Canada having claimed two points at the Spanish Grand Prix, courtesy of Zhou Guanyu finishing ninth. Valtteri Bottas was forced to settle for nineteenth in Spain, following significant floor damage. Despite this, the Hinwil-based team regard their Spanish GP performance as “positive”, given how the C43 did actually show strong pace.

On paper, this weekend’s Canadian GP should be a good one for the outfit, based on their performance last season. Twelve months ago in Montreal, Bottas finished seventh with Zhou in eighth, marking one of the team’s best results of the season. Last season’s result means that Alfa Romeo head to Montreal “with confidence”, to the extent where Alunni Bravi admits the target is to “replicate” their double points finish from 2022.

‘Replicate’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...p-performance/

Stroll sets Aston Martin double podium target for Canadian GP.
Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll is hoping to see both Aston Martins on the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix as he aims to put an end to Red Bull’s dominance in 2023.
14th June 2023, 16:14
by Sam Tomlinson
Motorsport Week

Stroll senior is hoping that his son will be able to become the first Canadian driver to finish on the podium at their home grand prix since Jacques Villeneuve finished second in 1996.

“Those are exactly the plans. Hopefully get two cars on the podium,” Stroll said speaking at an Aston Martin event in New York.

“I’m extremely confident. I believe the car will be very strong around the Montreal circuit, it suits our car well… so I’m really looking forward to going home and really looking forward to a great race.”

‘EL PLAN: The plans’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...r-canadian-gp/


Pessimistic Toto Wolff not expecting Montreal to suit Mercedes' upgraded W14 F1 car
14 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

A pessimistic Toto Wolff has played down Mercedes’ chances heading into this weekend’s F1 Canadian Grand Prix, saying the Montreal circuit might not “suit our car”. Mercedes had their best race of the season so far last time out at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell securing a double podium behind Max Verstappen’s dominant Red Bull.

It came a week after the eight-time constructors’ world champions debuted a major upgrade package in Monaco but Mercedes team principal Wolff has downplayed hopes of a repeat performance in Montreal. "The result in Spain was a well-deserved reward for everyone's efforts at Brackley and Brixworth to bring our update package to the track,” Wolff said. “We were pleased with how it performed, and it will provide a new baseline for us to build from.”

"We now move on to Montreal. With its long straights and low-speed corners, it's not a track that we expect to suit our car as well as Barcelona did. No matter where the true pace of the car is this weekend, we will aim to maximise our result. The characteristics of the circuit will also provide further opportunity to learn about the W14 and feed into our development path.”

‘Pessimistic Toto Wolff’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/102877...ian-gp-chances


THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on all the F1 news ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix
14 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

The F1 circus is descending on Montreal and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for round eight of the 2023 season this weekend – and to tee it up we've put together a little quiz to help pass the days until the on-track action starts.

‘Quiz questions;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...nQakLTNGE.html


Gasly prepared for 'interesting' weather conditions at Canadian GP
14 June 2:30PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

After three consecutive points finishes, Pierre Gasly is keen to see what Alpine can achieve at the Canadian Grand Prix. Pierre Gasly is remaining ready for "interesting" weather conditions at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.

"After racing on a more conventional circuit in Barcelona last time out, we're back to a street track in Montreal," Gasly said. "It's a really cool place to race, very fast with big braking zones and quick corners. I've been preparing in the simulator in Enstone, everything feels good and I'm looking forward to being on track on Friday.”

'Interesting weather conditions;

https://racingnews365.com/gasly-prep...at-canadian-gp


Here's a guide to the F1 Canadian Grand Prix races and events in Montreal
14th June 2023, 16:20
CTV News Montreal

Here is the schedule for the race weekend:
THURSDAY
• 9 a.m. to noon - pit lane walk
• Noon to 3 p.m. - Food trucks, bars, F-1 atmosphere.
• 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - High speed testing of safety and medical cars.

FRIDAY
• 8:30 a.m. - Venue opens
• 9:10 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. - Series of challenges and practice sessions.
• 7:30 p.m. - Venue closes.

SATURDAY
• 7:30 a.m. - Venue opens.
• 8:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. - Series of qualifying sessions, races and a pit stop practice (11:10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.)
• 7:30 p.m. - Venue closes.

SUNDAY
• 8:30 a.m. - Venue opens.
• 9:55 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Races.
• 11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. - F1 Drivers Parade.
• 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - F1 Pirelli Grand Prix du canada 2023 (70 laps, 120 minutes).
• 7:30 p.m. - Venue closes.

‘Guide to the F1 Canadian Grand Prix’;

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/here-s-a...real-1.6440665

Red Bull’s 100th win? Can Stroll end podium drought? Canadian GP talking points.
Have the upgrades Mercedes and Ferrari brought over the past races represented genuine steps forward for the teams? Or, as Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed after the Spanish Grand Prix, is the competitive order simply shuffling around as teams move from track to track, with the one constant being his team romping to a 20-second-plus victory every weekend?
2023 Canadian Grand Prix
Posted on 14th June 2023, 7:1513th June 2023, 23:19
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

This weekend’s race may provide further signs one way or another. Not least because, on paper, this is a track where we might ordinarily expect to see Ferrari ahead of Mercedes. The SF-75s enjoyed the combination of long straights, slow corners and the softest tyres Pirelli supplies in Baku, so Montreal should be a good venue for them.

In contrast, the Circuit de Catalunya has always suited Mercedes well, and team principal Toto Wolff admitted the Canadian circuit is unlikely to suit them so well. But perhaps the development directions the teams have taken will provide a surprise. Aston Martin can’t be discounted either. The team will have new parts for its AMR23 this weekend, and team principal Mike Krack was giving nothing away about the scale of the changes when asked in Spain, saying only that they would bring “a step” for the car.

If Aston Martin are back to their best this weekend after their sub-par showing in Spain, we could see the first Canadian driver on the podium at their home race for 27 years. The last driver to do so was Jacques Villeneuve when he made his home grand prix debut at the track in 1996.

‘Can Stroll end podium drought?’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/14/...alking-points/


World Champion Max Verstappen eying Ayrton Senna's record at Canadian Grand Prix
Thu, 15 June 2023 7:52AM
Alan Baldwin
The West Australian

Max Verstappen can deliver Red Bull’s 100th Formula One victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and step up alongside the late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna with a career haul of 41 wins.

Dutch double world champion Verstappen has won five of seven races so far this season and is chasing a fourth in a row to stretch his already yawning 53-point lead over Mexican teammate Sergio Perez. Red Bull have won 23 of the last 26 races, and 17 of the last 18. Victory this weekend will make them only the fifth constructor to have received 100 chequered flags.

Verstappen won last year in Canada from pole position ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, the multiple world champion who has won a record-equalling seven times there. “Last year’s win is still in my mind, hopefully we can do something similar this weekend,” Verstappen said.

‘Max Verstappen eying Ayrton Senna's record’;

https://thewest.com.au/sport/f1/domi...-gp-c-10984004


Verstappen favourite for Red Bull's 100th win at Canadian GP
15th June 2023, 00:35
Malay Mail

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen has won five of seven races so far this season and is chasing a fourth in a row to stretch his already yawning 53 point lead over Mexican team mate Sergio Perez.

Perez has only once stood on the podium in Montreal, a third place with Sauber in 2012. Last year the Mexican retired with a gearbox failure. “I have been in Milton Keynes since the Spanish GP, working hard with my team and we have put in a lot of good work and had some very constructive conversations,” said Perez. The Mexican's form has suffered two big blows of late, with 16th in Monaco and fourth in Spain, after a strong start to the campaign. “I must be massively consistent in Montreal and have a complete weekend,” he said.

Beyond Red Bull, Hamilton has every chance of being on the podium at the circuit where he took his first win as a rookie in 2007 but team boss Toto Wolff has cautioned against expecting too much. “With its long straights and low-speed corners, it's not a track that we expect to suit our car as well as Barcelona did,” said the Austrian.

‘Verstappen favourite for Red Bull's 100th win’;

https://www.malaymail.com/news/sport...adian-gp/74330


Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes defeat after Toto Wolff's downbeat Canadian GP verdict.
Lewis Hamilton will have to wait until next year to get a whole new chassis on his Mercedes.
06:00, Thu, Jun 15, 2023
By Stuart Ballard
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton has admitted Mercedes' recent upgrades haven't fixed the issues he experienced at the start of the year, insisting there's 'nothing he can do about it'. The seven-time world champion revealed at the Australian Grand Prix that his cockpit inside the 2023 Mercedes car was causing him issues on the track.

Hamilton said at the time that he was sitting "closer to the front wheels than all the other drivers" on the grid, hampering his driving ability. Shortly after, Mercedes announced they would be moving in a different direction with their car design for the rest of the season.

Their major upgrades were introduced at the Monaco Grand Prix and Mercedes reaped the rewards from their changes a week later in Spain as both cars finished on the podium. But the changes have been unable to address the cockpit issue from earlier in the season with Hamilton admitting it's something he will have to cope with for the rest of the year. “There’s nothing you can do about it, that’s just the way it is,” Hamilton said. “The only thing you can do ultimately is just trying to slow the rate of rotation, stabilise the rear end.”

‘Toto Wolff's downbeat Canadian GP verdict’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ian-Grand-Prix


Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur Aiming for “Strong” Canadian GP
June 14, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag

Scuderia Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur is aiming for a strong Canadian Grand Prix, after an underwhelming start to the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship for the Italian team, who sit fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.

Ferrari have fallen behind both Aston Martin Armaco F1 Team and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in the standings and in terms of performance lately, and will be hoping they can bounce back in Canada, but Team Principal Vasseur has made it clear that they still have to make improvements with their race pace despite recent upgrades.

“We come to Canada knowing that there is still room for improvement in terms of race pace with the SF-23. However, the upgrades introduced at the last round in Spain meant that the car behaved more consistently in the race in Barcelona.”

‘Room for improvement’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...g-canadian-gp/


Williams explain why only Alex Albon will have their Canadian GP upgrades
14 Jun 2023 4:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Williams will have a new package for the FW45 at the Canadian Grand Prix but it will only be fitted to Alex Albon’s car. Williams have once again found themselves lodged at the very bottom of the log with the team having scored just a single point in the first seven races of the season, Albon P10 in Bahrain.

Dave Robson, Williams’ head of vehicle performance, said: “The track in Montreal should play slightly more to the strengths of the FW45 than Monaco and Barcelona did. “Furthermore, we have several upgraded components available this week, which will run on Alex’s car only. We expect to be more competitive, but we will take our time on Friday to understand if the new package is delivering as expected.”

Albon is feeling hopeful as he reckons the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve should suit the car. “Heading into Canada,” he said, “it’s always a bit of a tricky circuit, however with it having more medium downforce, it should suit us a bit more than the last couple of tracks. We have an upgrade coming for this weekend, so it should be interesting to see how it performs. Everyone at the factory has done a huge job to get this upgrade ready for the weekend, so hopefully we can have a good result.”

‘Several upgraded components available’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/willia...n-gp-upgrades/


Canadian GP promoter doubts race could move dates to streamline F1 calendar
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 15th June 2023, 0:0114th June 2023, 23:08
Written by Ida Wood

F1 is keen to change the dates of some races on future calendars in order to cut travel between rounds and therefore reduce emissions. Moving the Canadian Grand Prix, which takes place this weekend, closer to the the Miami Grand Prix in May would allow F1 to make fewer transatlantic crossings. However the Canadian GP’s CEO Francois Dumontier has said the options to move their round of the world championship are limited by the Montreal climate.

“One can hardly imagine a presentation [of the race] before the beginning of June,” he told La Presse. He also ruled out an autumn date in the future as “we’d risk disrupting the activities of Parc Jean-Drapeau; in addition, in the fall, we could also find ourselves in conflict with congresses.” Dumontier admitted “it is mainly the weather [that is] the major sticking point in our talks” with F1 about moving the race to a different time of the year.

‘Doubts race could move’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/15/...nd-up-15-06-6/

NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix.
There are a lot of slow-speed corners, the walls are very close in a lot of places, but it’s a great racetrack. You need a good front-end to get your car turned into the chicanes, which are pretty much everywhere.
15 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

The driver’s verdict: Jolyon Palmer, former Renault F1 driver: Canada is a really nice track to drive and you get a sense of atmosphere going around it. Overhanging trees give it the feel of a park and it feels like a street circuit – in essence, it is.

Strategy and set-up keys: Bernie Collins, former Aston Martin F1 strategist: Canada is an outlier in the ‘European season’ to allow the event to be held in more favourable weather conditions and involves teams reverting to flyaway set-ups after several events in their normal motorhomes.

Current form:Red Bull maintained their 2023 unbeaten run as Verstappen cruised to victory in Spain – the team sitting 135 points clear of Mercedes in the constructors’ standings and the Dutchman 53 points up on team mate Perez in the drivers’ battle.

‘NEED TO KNOW’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...oSMAaVJO9.html


“Intense” showers forecast during Canadian Grand Prix weekend
2023 Canadian Grand Prix weather
Posted on 15th June 2023, 12:4715th June 2023, 12:49
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Formula 1 drivers may see a repeat of last year’s Canadian Grand Prix weather conditions with rain expected during qualifying followed by a dry race. The official forecast for the weekend ahead at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve indicates there is a risk of rain on all three days, with the possibility of “intense” showers on Saturday, when final practice and qualifying will take place.

Second practice, which will start at 5pm local time, is especially at risk of disruption from a sharp shower. Those conditions will persist into Saturday, which could see the heaviest showers. The threat of rain is currently rated at over 80% and is likely to have an impact on final practice at half past noon and qualifying, which is scheduled for a 4pm start.

The weather is expected to improve on Sunday although the threat of further rain will not entirely recede. The chance of rain is officially estimated at 40%, though that may change over the coming days.

“Intense showers forecast”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/15/...-prix-weekend/


Groundhog Day: Why Montreal’s resident Groundhogs are an F1 Canadian GP attraction…
15 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Groundhogs, also known as marmots, are widely found across Canada and have ended up disrupting F1 events ever since the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve played host to its first grand prix back in 1978. Montreal’s resident rodents have a tendency to make the venue their home, meaning the drivers have to be extra alert when driving around the street circuit to avoid them.

Unfortunately, the small furry animals have often met their end following contact with F1 cars, something the drivers are sometimes helpless to avoid. Romain Grosjean damaged the nose of his Haas car when he hit a groundhog during free practice at the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix.

But then FIA race director Charlie Whiting explained that F1’s governing body had been advised against trying to remove the rodents. “Of course we saw the groundhog,” Whiting said. “I did ask if it was feasible to try and catch him and I was told by those who know much more about groundhogs it was a very unwise thing to try and do.”

‘Groundhog Day’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/100551...orious-pest-f1


Stroll's plan to SUCCEED in 'special' home GP as he praises 'incredible' Alonso
Thursday 15 June 2023 14:57
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Lance Stroll has admitted that he looks to replicate Fernando Alonso's "incredible" attitude towards Formula 1, as the Canadian opened up on his excitement over a "special" home race in Montreal.

"Canada is always really special," he told TSN's YouTube channel. "When you pull out a good result at home it always feel a little bit better.
"I've had a few good races back home and leaving the track on Sunday, it just makes it that little bit more special when it's at home.
"I thrive off of it," he added when asked about the added pressure of a home race. "I just enjoy the energy and the excitement around the weekend.
"I think it's easy to see it as a daunting experience, the idea of doing well at home, the pressure, that can kind of take away the joy of the weekend.

‘Stroll's plan to SUCCEED’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ton-martin-f1/


F1: 5 key talking points heading into the Canadian Grand Prix
15th June 2023, 12:44
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

What should we be looking out for this weekend in Canada, though? Here are five things to keep your eye on... Can Sergio Perez arrest his slide? The Spanish GP last time out was an important weekend for Checo as he needed to score well after disappointing in Monaco, but he found himself having to clamber up the field again and eventually finished fourth.

Can Mercedes build? A double podium finish for Mercedes last time out in Spain has really given them a shot in the arm - though they are obviously trying to remain cautious about what is to come. Can Alpine keep up their form? There are just two teams that have finished with both cars in the points in the last three races and one of those is Alpine.

More Montreal success for Alfa Romeo? In 2022, Alfa Romeo scored a double points finish in Canada and they would certainly like a repeat of that. A better track for Williams? Listening to what the likes of Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant have to say going into this weekend, there's hope that the Williams car is going to be a little more suited to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve than to recent venues that we have visited.

‘5 key talking points’;

https://www.givemesport.com/f1-5-key...an-grand-prix/


5 things to get you up to speed for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal
15th June 2023, 11:21
CTV News Montreal

Formula One is back in Canada for a second consecutive year as the Canadian Grand Prix gets underway this week in Montreal. To get you up to speed, here are five things to know ahead of this year's event: UNSTOPPABLE VERSTAPPEN: Max Verstappen is the latest example of what happens when you combine a great driver with the best car on the grid.

STROLL'S HOMECOMING: Lance Stroll is the only Canadian on the grid this year after Nicholas Latifi's departure from Williams. But although the number of Canadian drivers was split in half, the odds of a Canadian reaching the podium might have doubled. MERCEDES ON THE RISE? Mercedes has a long way to go before returning to the car that won eight straight constructors' championships from 2014-2021, but the team might have figured some things out in Spain.

FERRARI IN TROUBLE? After finishing second in the constructors' standings last season, Ferrari is in fourth this year. ABOUT THE CANADIAN GP: It's the 52nd Canadian Grand Prix and the 42nd edition in Montreal, famous for some classic races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and the "Wall of Champions" on Turn 14, which even the very best drivers have hit.

‘Get you up to speed’;

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/five-thi...real-1.6441926

First look at important changes made to Canadian GP circuit.
Drivers will no longer be able drive through an escape road to get back onto the track if they run wide at Turn 1.
15 June 7:00PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

The Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve has underwent a significant change at Turn 1 this year in a bid to stop drivers from gaining an advantage. Previously drivers could run wide at the corner if they out-brake themselves and rejoin at the exit of Turn 2, as long as they did so in a safe manner back on track.

This year there has been a row of TecPro barrier added where the track joins with the escape road, meaning drivers will be forced to turn around or reverse back onto the track at Turn 1.

The modification is a crucial part of the track as it is the end of one of the three DRS zones that feature on the circuit, with the changes potentially having an effect on whether drivers decide to make a move at the corner.

‘Important changes’;

https://racingnews365.com/first-look...ian-gp-circuit


Corner cutters beware: New barrier introduced at key Canadian GP run-off spot
15 Jun 2023 6:58 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

A new barrier has been put in place at the run-off of Turns 1 and 2 for the Canadian GP, which will stop the drivers from being tempted to cut the opening part of the lap if they lock up. It has not been an uncommon sight in years gone by at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for those who lock a brake and run deep into the left-hander of Turn 1, which then loops back on itself through Turn 2 and onto a short straight before Turn 3, for some drivers to cut Turn 2 altogether and rejoin the track.

On the first lap of the race, when Turns 1 and 2 also get congested, it’s also not unusual to see drivers take to the run-off and slot back into the order from there. But now, a new barrier has been installed where the asphalt run-off meets the exit of Turn 2 for this year’s Canadian GP, in an attempt to curb the drivers from doing so this time around.

‘Corner cutters beware’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/canadi...rier-addition/


Lance Stroll: “It’s always special for me to see all the Canadian support”
June 15, 2023
By Nick Golding
The Checkered Flag

Stroll knows that the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team will likely be in battle with multiple teams this weekend, although, upgrades for the Silverstone-based team in Canada could give them the edge. The Canadian has his eyes set on “pushing hard” for his fans in Montreal, with it being the best place to claim his highest finish of the year.

“I am really excited to return to Montréal for my home race; it’s always special for me to see all the Canadian support at the city I grew up in. It is a circuit that also holds some good memories for me; climbing seven places to finish in the points last year was especially memorable.”

“With how close the pecking order has been in recent races, it will be interesting to see what the characteristics of the circuit do to the competitiveness up and down the pitlane this weekend. The margins will be very tight, so we’ll be pushing hard to put on a good show for my home crowd.”

‘Canadian support’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...adian-support/


Fernando Alonso’s response to Aston Martin F1 owner Lawrence Stroll’s ‘aggressive’ Canadian GP target
15 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Fernando Alonso thinks Aston Martin F1 team owner Lawrence Stroll’s target of a double podium at the Canadian Grand Prix is an “aggressive target”. Stroll told Reuters that he hopes to see “two cars on the podium”, adding: “I’m extremely confident. I believe the car will be very strong around the Montreal circuit, it suits our car well…so I’m really looking forward to going home and really looking forward to a great race.”

Although he did not completely rule it out, two-time world champion Alonso admitted such a feat will be a big ask given Red Bull’s dominance so far this year.

“You never know, but it is an aggressive target for the weekend,” the Spaniard said. “But we know Lawrence. His ambition is super high always and we will try to make him happy and proud in the home grand prix.”

‘Big ask’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/102884...dian-gp-target


Alonso singled out for FIA INSPECTIONS ahead of Canadian GP
Thursday 15 June 2023 19:15
Harry Smith
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has been singled out for an FIA investigation ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix with the stewards performing 'more extensive physical inspections'.

The FIA published a document on Thursday confirming that Alonso's car had been selected for further physical inspections ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. The checks for this are understood to have been taken directly following the Spanish Grand Prix.

These checks are done at random and selected from the top tens cars in the standings, ensuring compliance with the sport's technical regulations. Thankfully for Alonso and Aston Martin, the checks were passed without any issue with all parts found to be in compliance with FIA regulations.

‘Compliance’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...an-grand-prix/

Champ’s shot at history; Ferrari makes ‘worrying’ admission: F1 Canada burning questions.
The Canadian Grand Prix is perhaps best known in recent times for playing the weather card. Rain arrives randomly, heavily and often decisively, shaking up the field or suspending the race entirely.
June 16th, 2023 3:39 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Nothing says ‘F1’s European leg’ quite like a stand-alone visit to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. The annual visit to Canada has long disrupted F1’s long European run to capitalise on the narrow window of warm summer weather in Quebec at the high-speed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve semipermanent street track.

With rain forecast all weekend, some are hoping there’ll be an elevated chance that someone other than Max Verstappen could stand on the top step. Sergio Pérez certainly hopes it’ll be him — the Mexican is targeting a “reset” to his season from 53 points down on his teammate.

Ferrari and Aston Martin will also be hoping for a bounce-back from difficult weekends in Barcelona. But the rain could be more valuable to the midfield, where points have been difficult to come by this season. McLaren, having scrapped to unlikely points all year, could be the biggest winners from a wet grand prix given its recent form in the rain.

‘F1 Canada burning questions.’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...a9d5e88b748cad


Leclerc expects major Ferrari issue to remain at Canadian GP
The Monegasque has a big problem to resolve and Ferrari don't appear to have found a solution
June 15, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is expecting another tough weekend at the 2023 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix after a pointless race in Spain. The Scuderia star qualified woefully in Barcelona and could not race his way into the top 10 and it later emerged that he was struggling massively in left-hand corners.

Those issues don’t appear to have been fixed by Ferrari as there are no new parts coming to the scarlet red car in Montreal. “It’s the first time it’s happened in my career,” Leclerc told the media ahead of the Canadian GP. “When I looked at the left-hand corners, that’s where I was struggling.

“I said it straight away after qualifying and we can see that on the data I’m losing six and a half to seven-tenths in left-hand corners. But there are no real reasons yet so I can’t say much more on that.”

‘Major Ferrari issue’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...3-canadian-gp/


Leclerc not expecting 'any miracles' for Ferrari in Canada as Sainz predicts Alpine to join battle for second
15 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Charles Leclerc admits he is not expecting "any miracles" at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix off the back of his point-less outing in Barcelona. Meanwhile his Ferrari team mate Carlos Sainz is expecting the layout of the circuit in Montreal to suit the SF23, but that there may be increased competition for P2 in the constructors' championship.

This performance came on the weekend that Ferrari brought their first major upgrade of the season and, after he revealed that they had brought the same car to Montreal, Leclerc admitted that he was not expecting a “huge step forward”. “It was a very difficult weekend for me especially,” said Leclerc. “On this track we don't have anything new, so I don’t think we will have any miracles. But we need to just try to maximise our package.”

“[We need to] understand more this package, the way we should set up the car in order to maximise it. In Spain we were quite easily off the window and then we were losing quite a bit of performance. So, we've learned a lot, but I don’t think it will be huge step forward.” When asked what he was expecting come Sunday afternoon, Leclerc replied: “I feel like Aston Martin will be doing a step forward for this weekend, Red Bull they will be in front as always.”

‘Not expecting 'any miracles' for Ferrari’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...uLAGIO2vh.html


The Battle Behind The Red Bulls – Who Comes Out on Top?
June 15, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag

Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen are seemingly running away with both FIA Formula 1 World Championships and even as early as the Canadian Grand Prix, many are already claiming that the title races are over.

However, what many won’t realise is the exciting and enticing battles happening behind the Bulls, between Scuderia Ferrari, Aston Martin Armaco F1 Team and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Fernando Alonso has been on top form this season, scoring five podiums this season in seven races, which is an incredible achievement for the Spaniard, who only joined Aston Martin at the start of this season.

Many have overlooked the performances of Lewis Hamilton this season, although the seven-time World Champion isn’t where he’d want to be, fighting for wins at the front, he is driving extremely well and has outdrove his W14 in multiple races this season. Ferrari have underperformed so far this season, but Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. still have so much to offer, and this weekend will be a chance for the pair to get back into form. Canada will be an interesting race for all three teams, but the question is who comes out on top?

‘Battle Behind The Red Bulls’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...es-out-on-top/


F1: Esteban Ocon upbeat as Alpine eye more points at Canadian GP
20:42 Thu, 15 Jun 2023.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Esteban Ocon was in a positive mood speaking to the press ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, as Alpine look to earn another double points finish.

Speaking ahead of the weekend here in Montréal, Ocon reflected on last season's result and also how discussed how he was feeling about their prospects over the coming days: "I think we had a very good car last year here. It was one of the weekends that we scored great points," the Frenchman said.

"We still have to focus on race pace and figure out why we are not as competitive on Sundays as we are on Saturdays but all in all it's going in the right direction with what we're doing and it's a good moment for us. We are having a good time at the moment definitely and we are all happy that we are in this position so far. We are moving forward and that's very important."

‘Ocon upbeat’;

https://www.givemesport.com/f1-esteb...t-canadian-gp/


Sergio Perez targets Canadian GP reset after tricky European double-header
The Mexican saw his 2023 title chances dwindle with poor qualifying preventing podiums in Monaco and Spain
June 15, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is ready to completely reset his 2023 Formula 1 season after back-to-back disappointments in Europe. A crash in qualifying at Monaco and 12th in Spain gave the Red Bull man too much to do compared to his teammate, Max Verstappen, who went on to win both races on European shores.

“I want to reset and go again,” Perez told the media ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. “Monaco was all down to me and my bad mistake. “Then in Barcelona, a bad qualifying again which was tricky in the damp conditions and we paid the price on Sunday so I’m looking forward to getting back to the form we had in the early season.”

“Barcelona was the only time I have had difficulties with the car,” Perez added. “I struggled all through the weekend but other than that, I think in Monaco we had the pace to have a good weekend but I did a mistake. We should be having a lot of podiums and wins with this car from now until the end of the year. We can see the competition getting closer all the time.”

‘Reset after tricky European double-header’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...double-header/


How a mid-season rule change could aid Ferrari and hinder Aston Martin.
The aerodynamic testing rules in Formula 1 will see significant changes for certain teams based on their current success on track.
16 June 8:30AM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Aston Martin's charge up the Formula 1 order is set to be hindered by the next revision to the sport's aerodynamic testing sliding scale. Teams are restricted on the amount of wind tunnel testing runs and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) hours they can do to develop their car, with the aim of reducing costs and enabling struggling teams to catch up.

The pecking order is based on the championship position at the end of the previous season, and is then reset on June 30 each year to reflect the current order.

Number Team (change from previous measuring point) Percentage
1 Red Bull (equal) 63%
2 Mercedes (+1) 75%
3 Aston Martin (+4) 80%
4 Ferrari (-2) 85%
5 Alpine (-1) 90%
6 McLaren (-1) 95%
7 Haas (+1) 100%
8 Alpha Romeo (-2) 105%
9 AlphaTauri (equal) 110%
10 Williams (equal) 115%

‘Aerodynamic testing rules in Formula’;

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-ga...er-canadian-gp

Aston Martin billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll pins Canadian GP pressure on son Lance.
Lawrence Stroll has high expectations for Aston Martin and the pressure is on his own son to live up to them in Montreal this weekend.
14:19, Fri, Jun 16, 2023
By Richard Garnett
Daily and Sunday Express

Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll has ramped the pressure up on his own son Lance, by claiming that he is looking for a double podium placing at the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. The Silverstone-based team have made a solid start to the F1 season, recording five top-three finishes in the first seven races.

But all five of those podium appearances have been made by veteran driver Fernando Alonso, with the two-time former world champion enjoying a late resurgence in his F1 career. A haul of 99 points has put the Spaniard third in the Drivers' Championship behind the runaway Red Bull pairing of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

But in stark contrast, Alonso's Aston Martin teammate Stroll has only managed to accumulate 35 points so far, with his best performance a four-placed finish at the Australian Grand Prix in April. That appears to be of little concern to the 24-year-old's billionaire father, however, who has confidently predicted that his developing outfit can do the business in Montreal this weekend.

‘Lawrence Stroll pins Canadian GP pressure on son Lance’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...pressure-Lance


Alonso aiming for "aggressive" Canadian GP target
16 June 2:15PM
Author Michael Butterworth
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

With the Canadian GP being the home race for Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll and son Lance, hopes are high of a strong result at Montreal. Fernando Alonso says he and Aston Martin are aiming to achieve team owner Lawrence Stroll's target of a double podium finish at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

After a strong start to 2023, Aston Martin currently sit third in the Constructors' Championship with 134, with Alonso having scored all five of the team's podium finishes so far. Pressed on whether both he and teammate Lance Stroll – son of Lawrence – could make it into the top three in Sunday's race, Alonso said that was the aim.

"You never know, but it is an aggressive target for the weekend," Alonso told media, including RacingNews365.com. "But we know Lawrence, [his] ambition is super high, always, and we will try to make him happy and proud in the home Grand Prix."

‘Hopes are high of a strong result at Montreal’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-aim...dian-gp-target


Major Aston Martin changes head Canadian GP upgrade list
16th June 2023, 16:48
By Mark Hughes
The Race

Though it comes as the next round after the usual upgrade bonanza of Barcelona, Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix has seen several big-ticket development items declared by the teams – namely a major Aston Martin upgrade and an extensively-revised FW45 package that will only be available to the more experienced Williams driver, Alex Albon, this weekend.

‘Only Ferrari having no developments to announce’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/major...-upgrade-list/


Russell outlines THREE reasons why Mercedes could struggle in Canada
Friday 16 June 2023 16:57
Dan Ripley
GPFans

George Russell admits Mercedes face a number of handicaps heading into the Canadian Grand Prix. Asked on the reasons why Mercedes could struggle in Canada, Russell outlined three factors that could go against them.

"It's a really different circuit," he told Sky Sports' Ted Kravitz. "Barcelona with the new changes is all medium high speed corners. In Montreal, it's all slow speed corners, Barcelona - it's a very smooth tarmac. Here. It's very bumpy. It's hitting all the curbs. It's a straight track.”

"And finally, in Barcelona, we had the three hardest tires, and here with the three softest tires, so, you know, there's no guarantees that we're going to be competitive or as competitive as we were in Barcelona.”

‘ "Aggressive" Canadian GP target’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...an-grand-prix/


F1 Fantasy: top picks and predictions for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
June 16th 2023
Author Cambridge Kisby
Motor Sport Magazine

Driver and constructor F1 Fantasy picks for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, including tips on who to avoid and which chips to play. Renowned for throwing up a curveball, the Canadian Grand Prix not only presents an opportunity for the trailing field to knock Red Bull off its win streak, but also a chance to make some big gains on the F1 Fantasy leaderboards.

Red Bull has continued to lead the way so far, the RB19 winning seven races from seven entires, and Max Verstappen‘s triumph in Spain further extended his advantage at the front of the field, scoring 314 F1 Fantasy points so far this season – 72 more than any other driver. But the ever-present challenge of Sergio Perez and Aston Martin‘s Fernando Alonso means the Dutchman’s third world title isn’t secured just yet and a slip up in Canada could put the trailing pack – and your F1 Fantasy team – back in the hunt.

‘Top picks and predictions’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#


Leclerc: Ferrari not expecting 'miracles' at Canadian GP
Friday 16 June 2023 15:57
Jay Winter
GPFans

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has tempered expectations for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, acknowledging that his team does not anticipate any "miracles" at the event. After a challenging race in Spain where Leclerc narrowly missed out on points, the Monegasque remains cautiously optimistic about Ferrari's performance in Montreal.

Reflecting on the difficult weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix, Leclerc says Ferrari have "learnt a lot" but warns Tifosi expecting a "huge step forward" not to hold their breath. “Yeah, [the Spanish Grand Prix] was a very difficult weekend for me especially," he recalled at an FIA press conference in Montreal.

"On this track, we don't have anything new, so I don't think we'll have any miracles but we need to just try and maximise our package, understand more this package, the way we should set up the car in order to maximise it. So we've learnt a lot. And I'm pretty sure we'll be in a better place for this weekend. But I don't think it will be a huge step forward.”

‘Ferrari not expecting miracles';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...2023-miracles/


F1 2023’s first driver market rumours victim on his struggles
Jun 16 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race

Nyck de Vries’ career is a case study in Formula 1’s capriciousness. Shunned after winning the Formula 2 title in 2019, he was the toast of Monza after taking ninth for Williams following a late Italian Grand Prix call-up on Saturday morning last year and courted by several teams.

In May, only five races into his full-time F1 career with AlphaTauri, rumours swirled of ultimatums and the risk of imminent replacement. The media maelstrom has since calmed, with De Vries producing a solid run to 12th in Monaco then a frustrated 14th in Spain.

That’s not to say the pressure is vanquished. The combination of Yuki Tsunoda’s excellent performances in the other AlphaTauri and the success of other Red Bull prospects, notably Super Formula points leader Liam Lawson, means De Vries’ F1 future is far from secure. But he has now at least settled into the season.

‘Driver market rumours’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1-20...his-struggles/

Canadian Grand Prix practice descends into farce after bizarre CCTV blackout.
First practice at the Canadian Grand Prix was halted due to an issue with local CCTV infrastructure in Montreal.
16th June 2023, 19:18
Kieran Jackson
Formula 1 Correspondent
The Independent

Practice at the Canadian Grand Prix descended into an early farce on Friday after FP1 was halted due to CCTV issues. FP1 got underway for just five minutes before Pierre Gasly’s Alpine stopped at the side of the track, triggering a red flag.

Yet while Gasly’s car was quickly wheeled to safety, the red flag remained due to issues with the local CCTV infrastructure around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

As opposed to qualifying and the race where the clock stops, in practice sessions the clock keeps rolling - meaning drivers were unable to get valuable time on track.

‘Descends into farce after bizarre CCTV blackout’;

https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/f1-...-b2359144.html


F1 2023 Canadian Grand Prix - Friday Practice Results
16 Jun 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Results from Friday practice at the Canadian Grand Prix, Round 8 of the F1 2023 world championship.

2023 F1 Canadian Grand Prix - Free Practice Results (1)
Pos Driver Nat. Team Time
1 Valtteri Bottas FIN Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake 1m18.728s
2 Lance Stroll CAN Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team 1m19.175s
3 Fernando Alonso ESP Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team 1m19.807s
4 Sergio Perez MEX Oracle Bull Racing 1m20.154s
5 Max Verstappen NED Oracle Red Bull Racing 1m20.231s
6 Oscar Piastri AUS McLaren F1 Team 1m21.496s
8 Nico Hulkenberg GER MoneyGram Haas F1 Team 1m24.045s
8 Kevin Magnussen DEN MoneyGram Haas F1 Team 1m24.336s
9 Zhou Guanyu CHN Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake 1m24.961s
10 Carlos Sainz ESP Scuderia Ferrari 1m25.991s

‘Results’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/results/102...actice-results


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Canadian Grand Prix
16 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS it happened!’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...10DtfijGc.html


2023 F1 Canadian Grand Prix - Friday Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
16th June 2023, 18:34
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f...e-live-updates


CAMERA ISSUES HAMPER FP1 AT THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
With many upgrades applied to cars across the paddock, the free practice sessions will be vital for the teams to gather valuable data
June 16, 2023
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

FP1 for the Canadian Grand Prix was heavily hampered due to local CCTV issues. Valtteri Bottas topped the session ahead of Aston Martin duo Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.

‘Local CCTV issues’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ca...an-grand-prix/

F1 Canadian GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in FP2 before rain hits.
Lewis Hamilton headed a Mercedes 1-2 in Formula 1's second free practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix, as a downpour flooded the track in the final five minutes.
23:11 Fri, 16 Jun 2023.
By: Jake Boxall-Legge
Motorsport.com

The second practice session was extended by half an hour following the opening session's curtailment as technical issues emerged with the circuit's CCTV system. This left the teams, who had managed only the most cursory of laps in FP1, with much in the way of data to gather ahead of Saturday's preparations for qualifying.

Charles Leclerc was first to bother the stopwatch, setting the opening benchmark of a 1m16.564s on the medium tyres, but the Ferrari driver was soon usurped as Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas threw their first efforts into the fray. Max Verstappen then posted a 1m15.333s despite submitting complaints about his Red Bull's downshifts, taking the times down into the 1m14s with a 1m14.726s.

When the session drew into its final half-hour, radio messages began to emerge that rain was 10 minutes away. Making hay, George Russell then fired his Mercedes onto top spot with a 1m13.745s, where he remained for a few mere seconds before Hamilton eclipsed him with a 1m13.718s. With five minutes remaining, a sudden deluge hit the track at the hairpin - although the southern part of the circuit remained largely dry to create a split in conditions…

‘FP2 before rain hits’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...tice/10483743/


F1 2023 Canadian GP – Practice 2 Results
Mercedes were first and second fasted in FP2 at the 2023 Canadian GP
June 16, 2023
By John Smith
Total Motorsport

An extended Free Practice 2 session at the Canadian Grand Prix 2023 was topped by Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with the seven-time Formula 1 champion 0.027s ahead of his teammate.

It must be said that the Red Bull drivers of Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who was eighth, being 0.424s and 0.532s behind Hamilton, respectively, though they both set their fastest times on the medium tyres, with the Mercedes on softs.

F1 Canadian GP 2023 – FP2 Results
Pos Driver Team Time
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:13.718
2 George Russell Mercedes +0.027
3 Carlos Sainz Ferrari +0.126
4 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.326
5 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.376
6 Max Verstappen Red Bull +0.424
7 Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.502
8 Sergio Perez Red Bull +0.532
9 Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.701
10 Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.759

‘Practice 2 Results’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ice-2-results/


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
17th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Second practice was extended by half an hour (although most of that time was then lost due to two red flags and a downpour towards the end) after a CCTV issue saw the opening practice fail to restart following an early red flag for a car stopped on track.

Results (Classification):
1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes -1:13.718
2. George Russell Mercedes +0.027
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.126
4. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.326
5. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.376
6. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.424
7. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.502
8. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.532
9. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.701
10. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.759

‘Canadian Grand Prix – Here are the results from the extended and disrupted second practice session ahead of the 2023 F1 World Championship race in Montreal’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second...and-prix-82420


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Canadian Grand Prix
16 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...yeromrqyk.html


RED FLAGS AND RAIN HAMPER EXTENDED FREE PRACTICE TWO AT THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
The second session of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend was extended for an additional 30 minutes due to the camera issues seen during free practice one
June 16, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

The FIA announced that free practice two will be extended for an additional 30 minutes following the camera issues that red flagged the first practice session in Montreal. Issues with the track’s CCTV might not be the only hurdle Formula One needs to overcome this weekend, with rain forecasted

‘RED FLAGS AND RAIN’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/re...an-grand-prix/

Button admits Canadian GP weekend could now spiral into CHAOS.
"The problem is [that] when it rains, you can’t really get a feel for what the updates are doing, and the data doesn’t show either," the former world champion explained.
Friday 16 June 2023 21:34
Chris Deeley
GPFans

Jenson Button has admitted that the early end to FP1 at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix could cause teams a lot of problems. The first practice session allowed for less than 10 minutes of running before a combination of Pierre Gasly's Alpine failing on track and a malfunction in the local CCTV system caused the rest of the session to be red flagged.

Advantage Red Bull – again "Especially if you have sensors all over the car when there’s spray, you don’t get the information you need. Red Bull are pretty lucky – they did the right thing [and] got out there as soon as they could. They would’ve got information, but other people would’ve struggled with that.”

“It’s a real shame. It’s possibly going to rain tomorrow, that’s why they actually needed these sessions in the dry to get a feel for a bit of race setup. I don’t think any racing driver likes the rain, but it’s how you deal with it. Around here, it’s a really tricky place in the wet, because the white lines, it’s very narrow. You slip up [and] you’re in the wall."

‘Spiral into CHAOS’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...rain-practice/


Canadian Grand Prix practice is CANCELLED after just four minutes due to faulty CCTV system in blow to punters paying £300 for tickets... before FP2 is extended and brought forward
• The first practice for the Canadian Grand Prix was halted after just four minutes
• Red flag was waved when the CCTV system broke down in front of 90,000 crowd
• The second session was extended by 30 minutes and brought forward
Published: 20:10, 16 June 2023
By Jonathan McEvoy For Mailonine
Mail Online

Formula One was left red-faced as first practice for the Canadian Grand Prix ground to a halt after just four minutes of practice. In front of an estimated crowd of 90,000 – some of whom paid £300 to watch the weekend’s action – the red flag was waved when the CCTV system broke down. The network provides footage from every area of the track and is essential for safety reasons.

The FIA issued a statement, effectively blaming the local organisers, who they said were ‘working to resolve the issue and until that time we can’t re-start.’ In a further statement, the governing body added: ‘The delay will be longer as the CCTV is not synced correctly and until this issue has been fixed we cannot run on track. The system is a local installation and they are continuing to work to resolve the problem.

'The clock will continue to run down on FP1 and the session won’t be extended as there must be two hours between the end of FP1 and FP2. We are looking at options to extend FP2.’

‘Punters paying £300 for tickets...’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...TV-system.html


Faulty CCTV cameras leave 90 000 spectators staring at an empty track in Canada
20:41 Fri, 16 Jun 2023.
TEAMTalk Media
Wheels24

The first practice session for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix was embarrassingly cancelled after a CCTV failure at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The opening one-hour of running for the weekend was red-flagged after just four minutes when Pierre Gasly broke down in his Alpine.

An FIA spokesperson said: "The delay will be longer as the CCTV is not synced correctly, and until the issue has been fixed, we cannot run on track. This system is a local installation, and they are continuing to work to resolve the problem.”

Former driver Karun Chandhok, who competed in 11 grands prix and now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, was critical of the FIA's decision to abandon the running. "I feel we needed to get on track," said Chandhok. "I would argue that there's races around the world where they haven't got CCTV cameras, and they rely on marshal posts to radio incidents in - then you can use the TV cameras to look at it."

‘Critical of the FIA's decision to abandon the running’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsp...anada-20230616


2023 Canadian GP FP2: Session red flagged as Hulkenberg’s smoking Haas stops on track
16 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Smoke was seen pouring out of the back of Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas as the sick-sounding car ground to a halt on the main straight with around 30 minutes gone in the session, to trigger a red flag as the marshals removed it from the track.

‘Smoking Haas’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...105830204.html


Alonso says F1 ‘shot itself in the foot’ after CCTV fault cancels practice session
2023 Canadian Grand Prix
Posted on 17th June 2023, 0:55
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Fernando Alonso said Formula 1 let fans down after a problem with a CCTV system meant first practice was abandoned after four minutes of running. “It was a shame,” said Alonso. “I think it was not ideal for the teams, but mostly it was for the fans that came very early to the circuit, and we were not able to run in FP1.

“From time to time it seems that we are shooting [ourselves] in our feet as a sport. These things are a little bit embarrassing.” Alonso was able to cover 38 laps in second practice, which was extended to make up for some of the lost running in the first session. He lost further time as the session was red-flagged twice and heavy rain fell in the final 10 minutes. Alonso said the delays left Aston Martin without enough time to fully evaluate the changes to their car.

“We didn’t have time because FP1, unfortunately, the cameras or whatever on the circuit didn’t work and we didn’t have a Plan B, as all these times in this sport.” However Lance Stroll played down the effect the disruption had on their preparations. “It’s the same for everyone,” he said. “The car is feeling good,” he said. “I think we’re looking pretty good.”

‘Shot itself in the foot’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/17/...ctice-session/