Breaking: Max Verstappen ruled OUT of Canadian Grand Prix as Ra…read more
Max Verstappen ruled OUT of Canadian Grand Prix as Ra…read more
Max Verstappen’s start to the Canadian Grand Prix weekend took a dramatic turn, as tensions ran high both on and off the track. During Friday’s practice sessions at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, several key events unfolded that shook up the order ahead of Sunday’s race. Among the biggest stories was Charles Leclerc’s early exit from Friday’s running following a costly crash, as well as Verstappen’s visible frustration with his car and a heated exchange reflecting mounting pressure in the championship battle.
Charles Leclerc’s day began on a sour note during the first free practice session (FP1). Just 15 minutes into the session, the Ferrari driver lost control of his car at Turn 3, sliding off the track and colliding with the barrier. The impact was significant, damaging the front and rear suspension along with the chassis. The red flag was immediately brought out to halt the session as his car was recovered. Although Leclerc walked away unscathed, the damage was enough to rule him out of further action for the day. Ferrari had no choice but to replace the chassis, a process that, under FIA regulations, prevented him from taking part in the second practice session (FP2) due to scrutineering constraints. This left his teammate to carry the team’s hopes for the remainder of Friday.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen started FP1 on a high, posting the fastest time and appearing in strong form. However, his performance took a downturn in the second session. He was heard over the team radio complaining about the car’s handling, particularly a lack of rear stability and excessive bouncing, which he described as “terrible.” His frustration grew as the session progressed, and he was only able to manage a time that placed him in the midfield, far off his usual dominant position. This apparent drop in pace raised concerns within the Red Bull camp as they now face setup challenges heading into qualifying.
Off-track, Verstappen was also involved in a tense exchange, continuing the friction that began after a previous on-track incident with a rival. His animated responses and unwillingness to back down revealed the emotional intensity he is carrying as he continues to battle at the top of the standings. With Leclerc sidelined and Verstappen unsettled, Friday’s drama has set the stage for what promises to be an unpredictable and high-stakes weekend in Montreal.
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