F1 Qualifying Results: Max Verstappen beaten as Red Bull star to

Verstappen to Start Last in Canadian GP as Hamilton Shines in Qualifying

Saturday’s qualifying session for the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix produced several dramatic surprises, with Max Verstappen suffering a major blow while Lewis Hamilton continued to show signs of resurgence.

Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, looked rejuvenated in the early part of the qualifying rounds. In Q1, he posted strong lap times that put him comfortably near the top of the timing charts. The performance from the Mercedes driver marked a continuation of his impressive form throughout the weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

However, the story was far from ideal for Red Bull Racing. While Max Verstappen managed to put in a respectable showing in Q2 by finishing fourth fastest, his qualifying performance wasn’t enough to shield him from a disastrous starting position. Red Bull’s problems were compounded by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who failed to make it into Q3 and exited the session in Q2. Tsunoda’s struggles came at the worst possible time, as he was already facing a ten-place grid penalty heading into the race weekend.

The combination of Tsunoda’s penalty and his Q2 elimination means that the Japanese driver will be starting from the very back of the grid. However, the most shocking development is that Max Verstappen, despite his competitive Q2 lap, is also set to start last on the grid. Although the details of why Verstappen will start from the back are still unfolding, it is understood to be a consequence of combined setbacks — potentially involving grid penalties or post-session technical infringements.

This marks a rare and significant setback for the reigning world champion, who has typically been a dominant force in qualifying throughout recent seasons. Starting from last place will present a huge challenge for Verstappen, particularly on a track like Montreal where overtaking opportunities can be limited despite the long straights.

For Red Bull, the situation is a sharp contrast to their usual dominance. The team has been under pressure in recent races due to increasing competition from Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari. Saturday’s qualifying results only add to their growing list of concerns.

On the other hand, Mercedes and particularly Hamilton appear to be on an upward trajectory. Hamilton’s strong qualifying form could potentially translate into a serious challenge for victory on Sunday, especially with key rivals starting behind him. With the unpredictable nature of the Canadian Grand Prix — known for sudden weather changes and dramatic incidents — the stage is set for an action-packed race where anything can happen.

All eyes will be on whether Verstappen can mount one of his trademark comeback drives or if Hamilton will seize this opportunity to return to the top of the podium.