Method 1 returns this weekend for the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix after an exciting few weeks that has seen Max Verstappen and Oracle Purple Bull Racing’s grip on each Championships fall away barely.
The Canadian Grand Prix is understood for it’s thrilling races and has thrilled followers for many years. Held on the historic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, the monitor distinctive structure – half avenue circuit, half everlasting facility – pushes drivers and their vehicles to the restrict. The tight corners and lengthy straights create loads of alternative for overtakes, whereas the infamous “Wall of Champions” will likely be a bit to look out for because the drivers search for pace popping out of the sluggish pace chicane. The circuit has a mix of high-speed sections and technical challenges that make the Canadian Grand Prix a favorite amongst drivers and followers, producing dramatic moments and outcomes.
The groups have been giving their ideas forward of the Grand Prix, have a learn beneath, beginning with the main constructor, Purple Bull!
Max Verstappen — Oracle Purple Bull Racing — WDC 1st
“Following a tougher weekend in Monaco, this week I’ve been with the Crew again on the manufacturing unit and within the sim making ready for the Canadian Grand Prix. The monitor there may be very distinctive, has some old fashioned kerbs and there are loads extra alternatives for overtaking.
“It’s much more vital to have arrange of the automotive and discover a stability between the straight line speeds in addition to good stability below the braking. It’s at all times good to be again racing in Montreal; the surroundings is one in every of a sort, the environment within the metropolis is nice and the followers are very passionate.
“Lastly, it’s nice information that Checo has signed with the Crew till 2026 and I’m glad to have the ability to proceed with the profitable partnership that we have now created over the previous few years. We achieved a record-breaking season final yr and the Crew may be very robust, so we’re wanting ahead to constructing on this success into the following two years as effectively.”
Sergio Pérez — Oracle Purple Bull Racing — WDC fifth
“I’m blissful to be coming to Canada figuring out I’m staying with Oracle Purple Bull Racing. It feels unimaginable to be trusted by the Crew to proceed with them till 2026 and I’m grateful for the arrogance everybody has put in me.
“I do know we have now lots of work to do within the coming seasons however, extra importantly, within the short-term. We have to get again to the requirements we have been setting earlier than Imola and get the automotive in a greater window to carry out on each Saturday and Sundays. Whereas the race was a catastrophe in Monaco, we have been within the improper grid place attributable to a poor qualifying and we have to resolve that in Montreal.
“The Crew and I need to be beginning on the entrance of the grid come race day and the purpose is to make our lives quite a bit easier this weekend.”
Fred Vasseur — Scuderia Ferrari — WCC 2nd (WDC: LEC 2nd, SAI 4th)
“Earlier this season, we went to Japan on a wave of enthusiasm following Carlos’ win in Australia and now we have now that very same feeling in Canada off the again of Charles’ triumph in his house race in Monaco. Everyone seems to be pumped and ready to the utmost for this Grand Prix.
“The Montreal monitor may be very completely different to the one within the Principality, even when there are nonetheless some sluggish corners. However basically, it’s a lot quicker, requires much less aerodynamic downforce and there are extra alternatives for overtaking.
“That doesn’t imply our method to the weekend will change in any means. We’re transferring in the suitable route on the technical entrance, on our technique calls from the pit wall and by way of how the group is working as one.
“Due to lots of laborious work, we have now managed to additional shut the hole to the group main each championships, however the gaps between us, McLaren and Purple Bull are very shut and so the slightest little element could make the distinction.”
Lando Norris — McLaren F1 Crew — WDC third
“Canada up subsequent! I get pleasure from racing in Montréal, it’s a enjoyable monitor with some difficult sections which make it extra thrilling. Our automotive has carried out effectively at a number of various kinds of circuits, however we all know we’d have our work lower out in Canada. Our opponents are more likely to be robust right here.
“It was good to have per week off after the Imola-Monaco double header. We walked away with two podiums, and lots of factors for the group. I’ve had productive periods with my engineers again within the MTC, and now I’m excited to see what we will do that weekend.”
Oscar Piastri — McLaren F1 Crew — WDC sixth
“Monaco was particular. I felt it on all three days and getting a podium in Senna colors round these streets was sensational. As a younger boy again in Australia, Monaco was one which I’d dream about and so, it’s good to gather some silverware from one of many classics.
“I’ve been proud of the place my driving is in the mean time, particularly the consistency that I’ve proven throughout the final three occasions. Progress isn’t linear however I’m having fun with displaying what I can do and driving this automotive, which the group have accomplished such a powerful job with.
“Hopefully in Canada, we will decide up the place we left off as a result of it’s so tight on the sharp finish of the grid and we wish extra.”
Toto Wolff — Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Crew — WCC 4th (WDC: RUS seventh, HAM eighth)
“We had an encouraging weekend in Monaco. We continued to make strong progress with our automotive, enhancing its general stability and taking a step nearer to these forward. That progress isn’t but displaying by way of positions but when we will proceed to shut the hole to the quickest vehicles, we all know it’s going to sooner or later.
“Each drivers may have the up to date entrance wing in Canada, plus another growth objects for this occasion. It supplied a small lap time acquire across the tight streets of the Principality and will provide larger profit on upcoming circuits. That stated, the image on the entrance of the sector is extremely aggressive.
“The sphere has compressed, and we’re below no illusions that others will proceed to enhance. We must proceed to work laborious and diligently to get ourselves into the combo.
“The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a superb monitor. It gives a mixture of low-speed corners and high-speed straights which makes for excellent racing. We at all times get pleasure from returning to Montreal because the followers are extremely enthusiastic about F1. We’ve loved many good moments there over time and hopefully we will add to these this weekend.”
Lance Stroll — Aston Martin Armaco F1 Crew — WDC eleventh
“The Canadian Grand Prix is likely one of the races I most sit up for. It’s at all times particular to have the ability to compete right here at house.
“There’s nothing fairly just like the assist I get from Canadian followers. There’s at all times this buzz and power within the air that pushes me to offer my all on monitor. It’s such an unimaginable feeling.
“I used to sit down within the grandstands right here once I was 5 or 6 years previous, and I first started karting in Montréal – not too removed from the circuit – so every time I’m right here it hits house simply how far I’ve come. To now be racing right here in Method One… it’s a sense like no different.”
“I’m tremendous proud to be racing right here as a Canadian and to be surrounded by my household and pals. That is additionally one thing of a house race for the Aston Martin Aramco group now. It’s nice to see all people embrace my house metropolis.
“I like spending time in Canada, whether or not that’s snowboarding within the mountains of Revelstoke or spending evenings on the water in Mont-Tremblant. It’s an actual honour to characterize such a tremendous nation.”
“I get an actual thrill from driving round Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. It’s one in every of my favorite tracks on the calendar. I like the mix of the high-speed straights and tight chicanes and extra technical corners. It’s a monitor that retains you in your toes, which I like, and seeing all of the Canadian flags within the stands solely provides to the environment.”
Yuki Tsunoda — Visa Money App RB — WDC tenth
“I’m wanting ahead to Canada, initially, as a result of I like Montréal itself. I’m spending a few days right here with some pals earlier than the race. As a lot as I just like the monitor, I’ve by no means scored factors right here, so that’s undoubtedly my primary aim for this weekend.
“Two weeks in the past, I managed to attain factors in Monaco for the primary time, so I’d wish to tick off one other circuit the place I haven’t scored but. The group is working rather well in the mean time, it’s coming collectively effectively so we simply must maintain specializing in ourselves and push laborious for Q3 on Saturday and extra factors on Sunday.”
Daniel Ricciardo — Visa Money App RB – WDC 14th
“I like Montréal, the place, the monitor and I’m actually excited to return there. It has some particular reminiscences; this yr will likely be ten years since my very first Method 1 win at this monitor.
“After all, I missed the race final yr so I’m greater than able to have weekend and get some extra factors on the board. Maple Syrup, Poutine and a few good occasions!”
Nico Hülkenberg — MoneyGram Haas F1 Crew — WDC thirteenth
“I like Montreal and it’s most likely my favourite monitor on the calendar. I like the place it’s on the little island, the drive into the circuit within the morning, and the environment in Montreal. It will get me yearly and I simply actually get pleasure from it right here.
“The circuit has a really cool move, though it’s fairly flat – it doesn’t have elevation adjustments – however the rhythm of the monitor may be very distinctive and hits the spot for me. Final yr was very constructive, particularly the Saturday, as Sunday we simply weren’t aggressive and slipped again.
“I sit up for hitting the monitor and this yr we’re in a significantly better place and we should always be capable to translate qualifying right into a race consequence.”
Kevin Magnussen — MoneyGram Haas F1 Crew — WDC seventeenth
“Montreal is one other nice monitor and one other traditional I’d say, though it doesn’t have the historical past of Monaco or Monza, for instance. It’s undoubtedly a driver’s monitor as effectively, flying over the kerbs and braking late into the chicanes.
“It’s nice racing there with good alternatives for overtaking, and general, it’s only a excellent place to go. The town is superior, the meals, resorts, and the followers – I’ve acquired nothing unhealthy to say! I don’t suppose I’ve ever had a improbable weekend there but although, so I’m aiming for that this season.”
Alex Albon — Williams Racing — WDC fifteenth
“As we head to Canada this week, the group and I’ve fond reminiscences from final yr’s P7, with our first huge points-scoring race of the season. I’m to see how the FW46 performs round this circuit, which at all times brings possibilities for good racing and overtaking.
“The climate will play an element within the alternatives that might come up, so hopefully as a group, we will maximise on this. Montreal is one in every of my favorite cities and I’m wanting ahead to heading again.”
Logan Sargeant — Williams Racing — WDC twenty first
“I’m actually wanting ahead to the Canadian Grand Prix. The monitor in Montreal is likely one of the greatest on the calendar with its mixture of quick straights and tight corners that creates move for racing.
“This occasion is understood for its unpredictable climate situations, which may create some thrilling alternatives. Hopefully we will have a constructive weekend as a group.”
Esteban Ocon — BWT Alpine F1 Crew — WDC sixteenth
“Quite a bit has been stated in latest days, so I’m very a lot wanting ahead to driving once more and getting again out on monitor. My focus and power is totally devoted to the group and maximising our outcomes on monitor, beginning already this weekend in Canada.
“The tempo we confirmed in Monaco was constructive, significantly in Qualifying trim the place we had the chance to get each vehicles into Q3. As a group, we have now been making regular progress over the course of the season.
“Regardless of the circuit traits being fairly completely different, hopefully we will carry momentum into Montréal and present comparable pace as we did in Monaco. The sphere is extraordinarily shut in the mean time, so extracting each little bit of efficiency counts.
“Montréal is an occasion I actually get pleasure from returning to every yr. The followers are unimaginable, the monitor is enjoyable to drive, and town actually embraces the occasion. The town centre has a pageant environment and likewise a French flavour alongside it! The followers at all times come out in large numbers regardless of the climate, which as we have now seen up to now might be fairly unpredictable.
“From the most recent climate forecast, we could possibly be in for extra of the identical this weekend. Straight-line pace is vital in Montréal, as is stability below braking and using the kerbs. Additionally, the monitor might be fairly bumpy in sure locations, so it will likely be fascinating to see how the automotive behaves with the brand new asphalt.”
Pierre Gasly — BWT Alpine F1 Crew — WDC 18th
“It felt a very long time coming, nevertheless it was good to attain my first level of the season in Monaco. The efficiency felt way more collectively than in earlier races. We didn’t start in such a constructive state however we made robust enhancements between Friday and Saturday, which made us fast sufficient to be in Q3.
“Whereas that was pleasing in itself, because it was our first Q3 go to of the yr, it was undoubtedly a missed alternative as we had the tempo and I had the arrogance within the automotive to be larger up on the grid. Even so, tenth is the place we ended up and that’s the place we ended the race. Some extent is an effective reward however we should maintain pushing for extra.
“Subsequent up is Canada. It’s at all times an fascinating place to race because it’s a non-permanent circuit, which brings some fascinating challenges all through. We predict a a lot smoother structure for the reason that monitor has been resurfaced however which may additionally imply grip is low particularly on Friday Follow day. Within the final two seasons, we have now seen a moist Qualifying.
“We must bear in mind on the range in situations we’d see all through the weekend in Montréal and be prepared for something. Proper now, although, I’m happy with the progress in latest weeks and we should purpose to proceed that with constructive on monitor performances.”
Jack Doohan — BWT Alpine F1 Crew — Reserve Driver (Changing Ocon in FP1)
“Actually excited to get out on monitor in Montréal for FP1. It will likely be my first time driving at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, which I’m wanting ahead to. I’m grateful to the group for the chance to get extra monitor time, and likewise familiarise myself with 2024 equipment early within the season.
“This may even assist with the work I’m doing within the simulator, significantly on the European rounds. My focus will likely be on doing the very best for the group and maximising the session for each drivers, taking a look at sure take a look at objects and understanding the brand new monitor floor.”
Zhou Guanyu — Stake F1 Crew Kick Sauber — WDC nineteenth
“We knew we had work forward of us after Monaco, and that’s what the group did: we regrouped and labored collectively to offer ourselves the very best probability to show our fortunes round this season. Though we’re but to attain factors, our motivation isn’t gone, fairly the alternative: we’re decided to make a change to how this season is unfolding and get again the place we need to be.
“I’m wanting ahead to racing in Montreal this weekend, with town turning into a real Method One pageant, and the followers giving us an additional enhance from the grandstands.
“We all know how only a hundredth of a second might make a giant distinction in qualifying, the place we have to make the largest positive aspects: we should maintain centered and ship on the prime of our recreation all weekend lengthy, aiming for the highest ten.”
Valtteri Bottas — Stake F1 Crew Kick Sauber — WDC twentieth
“It’s good to be again in Canada – it’s a spot that normally produces good racing and it’s fairly enjoyable from contained in the cockpit, too. It’s one of many traditional races on the calendar, and I just like the challenges of a monitor that hasn’t modified a lot because it was constructed.
“I’m wanting ahead to getting began with the weekend forward. There’s no denying that issues haven’t gone effectively just lately, however the group is motivated, and we used the times after our return from Monaco to analyse what didn’t fairly work out and the right way to enhance from there.
“We scored factors within the two most up-to-date outings in Montreal, and it will be good to get again at it proper right here. Our aim, as typical, is identical: to be on the prime of our efficiency from Friday onwards, and qualify in beneficial spots on the grid, able to battle it out on Sunday.”
Don’t miss a minute of the motion from Montreal with our official X account!
