George Russell delivered a sensational performance in Montreal to clinch pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix, marking his first of the season and second consecutive pole at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Mercedes driver lit up the timing screens with a blistering 1:10.899 lap — a time that left him over a tenth clear of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in what was an incredibly tight qualifying session.
The Briton was visibly ecstatic over the team radio, shouting, “Talk to me!” as he awaited confirmation. Once told he had secured pole, the emotion came pouring out, a clear reflection of the intensity of the session and the pressure he felt heading into the final runs.
“It was one of the most exhilarating laps of my life,” Russell said after the session. “I was watching the delta on my steering wheel and saw I was gaining with every corner. By the final chicane, I knew it was a mighty lap.”
Russell will start alongside Verstappen on the front row — a pairing that brings extra intrigue after their recent clash in Barcelona. When asked about the potential rematch, Russell responded with a playful jab: “We’re mates, it’s all good! I’ve got a few more points on my licence to play with. Let’s see.”
Just behind them, Oscar Piastri impressed with a strong third-place effort, while rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli put in one of the surprises of the day with a standout lap that earned him fourth.
Veteran drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso will line up on the third row, ahead of Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, young star Isack Hadjar, and Alex Albon rounding out the top ten.
With a spicy front row and several fast cars lurking just behind, Sunday’s race promises to be a thrilling one. Can Russell convert his pole into victory, or will Verstappen strike back? All eyes will be on Turn 1.
