Verstappen in illustrious list after Canada: 'Actually it's great!'
- Estéban den Toom
Only two drivers have previously won the Canadian Grand Prix three times in a row: Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. But that changed on Sunday. Max Verstappen can now join this list, as the reigning world champion won the 2024 edition of the Canadian Grand Prix in his RB20. The Red Bull driver is very pleased, explaining that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve suits the Austrian constructor.
Verstappen in line with Hamilton and Schumacher
With a first free practice that was a washout for Verstappen, and a second free practice that literally went up in smoke, the triple world champion did not have an optimal start to the weekend in Montreal. Qualifying went a little better, but pole position just passed Verstappen by. He registered the same time as George Russell, who was allowed to start from pole on Sunday. In the end, Verstappen won the race, joining Schumacher and Hamilton in an illustrious line-up.
"There have been, of course, some drivers in the history that have done quite a lot of amazing things and have won a lot of races at particular tracks specifically," Verstappen told reporters after landing on the top step of the podium after the race in North America. According to the Dutchman, the track is just right for the RB20, which can come out nicely there.
Verstappen fan of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
"It's been a good track to us the last few years," the Red Bull driver continued. For Sergio Perez, it was a lesser circuit. He did not get beyond Q1 and had to start the race from P16. The Guadalajara-based driver even had to abandon the battle early after losing his rear wing at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
So Verstappen could not count on Perez in Canada in the battle for the constructors' championship, but he did collect much-needed points again. "Actually it's great, you know, to have three wins in a row here. Of course, I hope I can add more in the future," he realised. "I enjoy driving here. It's a great track. It reminds me a bit of my go-karting days as well. So definitely always a lot of fun," Verstappen concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.