Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner has clapped back at Mercedes after Max Verstappen won the Canadian Grand Prix. Horner responded to Mercedes technical director James Allison who claimed that Red Bull had made their car slower by introducing new updates.&nbsp;

Verstappen won the race in Montreal when pundits and fans had expected him to struggle, especially after Red Bull's weakness on the kerbs came to light in the last few weeks.&nbsp;

"Even with our downgrade, we managed to beat their upgrade. It was a rewarding race to win. The last couple of races have been more choppy waters for us, but we have still managed to win two out of the last three races," said Horner.&nbsp;

“We had a pole in Imola, we managed to match the pole time here with a car that both drivers are feeling its deficiencies. So there is a lot of focus on that to see if we can improve that," he added.&nbsp;

Horner played down Mercedes' performance in the Canadian GP saying the German team had always done well in green circuits where there are no real high-speed corners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/news-red-bulls-sergio-perez-apologises-after-canadian-weekend-to-forget-730733">Also read |&nbsp;Red Bull's Sergio Perez apologises after Canadian weekend to forget</a>

<h2>What did Allison say?</h2>

In the lead-up to the race, Allison reckoned that RB20 and the big upgrade package attached to it had done more harm to the car that was touted vastly ahead of the pack at the start of the season.&nbsp;

“It does look as if their upgrade was a downgrade. So, fingers crossed that would really mess them up," said Allison.

"That [an upgrade not working] makes life hard, because the moment you stop trusting your tools, you have to backtrack, and you lose loads of time. Time is your biggest friend, losing it is your worst enemy," he added.&nbsp;

Quizzed if witnessing Red Bull struggle and fall back into the pack had given Mercedes a spark of excitement, Allison said: "Everyone always loves other people's misery in this game."

While Mercedes started the season poorly, there have been signs of resurgence with George Russell finishing on the podium in Montreal in what was a rain-affected race.&nbsp;

Notably, Mercedes had also added some upgrade elements to its W15 during the weekend to help bolster the impact of a new front wing that Russell first sported in Monaco.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner has clapped back at Mercedes after Max Verstappen won the Canadian Grand Prix. Horner responded to Mercedes technical director James Allison who claimed that Red Bull had made their car slower by introducing new updates.

Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner has clapped back at Mercedes after Max Verstappen won the Canadian Grand Prix. Horner responded to Mercedes technical director James Allison who claimed that Red Bull had made their car slower by introducing new updates. Verstappen won the race in Montreal when pundits and fans had expected him to struggle, especially after Red Bull's weakness on the kerbs came to light in the last few weeks. "Even with our downgrade, we managed to beat their upgrade. It was a rewarding race to win. The last couple of races have been more choppy waters for us, but we have still managed to win two out of the last three races," said Horner. “We had a pole in Imola, we managed to match the pole time here with a car that both drivers are feeling its deficiencies. So there is a lot of focus on that to see if we can improve that," he added. Horner played down Mercedes' performance in the Canadian GP saying the German team had always done well in green circuits where there are no real high-speed corners. Also read | Red Bull's Sergio Perez apologises after Canadian weekend to forget What did Allison say? In the lead-up to the race, Allison reckoned that RB20 and the big upgrade package attached to it had done more harm to the car that was touted vastly ahead of the pack at the start of the season. “It does look as if their upgrade was a downgrade. So, fingers crossed that would really mess them up," said Allison. "That [an upgrade not working] makes life hard, because the moment you stop trusting your tools, you have to backtrack, and you lose loads of time. Time is your biggest friend, losing it is your worst enemy," he added. Quizzed if witnessing Red Bull struggle and fall back into the pack had given Mercedes a spark of excitement, Allison said: "Everyone always loves other people's misery in this game." While Mercedes started the season poorly, there have been signs of resurgence with George Russell finishing on the podium in Montreal in what was a rain-affected race. Notably, Mercedes had also added some upgrade elements to its W15 during the weekend to help bolster the impact of a new front wing that Russell first sported in Monaco. (With inputs from agencies)

'We still won': Red Bull's Christian Horner claps back at Mercedes for 'downgrade' comment

Max Verstappen eased the pressure on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick of victories at the Canadian Grand Prix to consolidate his early-season lead in the drivers' championship.

After being beaten in two of the previous three races, the series leader and three-time champion bounced back to his competitive best, with the aid of excellent calls from his team in a tactical race, to win by 3.879 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris.

Mercedes' George Russell, who started from pole position, finished third ahead of a fast, but frustrated team-mate in seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen scored his third consecutive triumph at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and the 60th win of his career, having started second on the grid and, at times, riding his luck in a dramatic contest featuring two Safety Car interventions.

"That was a pretty crazy race and a lot of things were happening,"said Verstappen. "We had to keep on top of our calls and as a team we did really well today. We remained calm and we pitted at the right time."

With both Ferraris failing to finish – just two weeks after Charles Leclerc claimed an emotional win in his home Monaco Grand Prix – Verstappen's success lifted him 56 points clear of the Monegasque driver in the title race.

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"The safety cars worked out nicely for us this time," he added, referring to the Miami Grand Prix where he lost his advantage, allowing Norris to claim his maiden win. "But even after that we were managing the gaps quite well.

"I loved it. It was a lot of fun. These kind of races you need to have once in a while. The most important thing is that we won. The suspension problem is not particularly an issue."

"We know what it is, so we just need to work on it. We still have room to improve."

Hamilton, who was self-critical after the race, was passed by Russell in the closing laps, but finished ahead of fifth-placed Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren and two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.

<h2>-'It was wild. It was chaotic' -</h2>

Local hope Lance Stroll was seventh in the second Aston Martin ahead of RB's Daniel Ricciardo and the two Alpines of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.

"A lot of fun," said Norris, who, with Piastri, brought McLaren their first points in Canada since 2014 on the 56th anniversary of the team's first win, with Bruce McLaren, at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix.

"It was wild. It was chaotic. It was eventful. To be honest, I felt like I drove a good race, the whole time, from start to finish. These conditions are so stressful inside the car, but very enjoyable at the same time."

Russell said: "That was an ugly race on my behalf and I am sorry for that. It feels like a big missed opportunity to be honest. We had a fast car this weekend."

On a day of showers and sunshine, five cars -- Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull, both Ferraris and both Williams -- failed to finish in front of a big enthusiastic crowd who revelled in the changing conditions and race positions.

Verstappen's win carried him to 194 points in the drivers' championship ahead of Leclerc on 138 and Norris on 131.&nbsp; In the constructors' race Red Bull, in a troubled season by their standards, moved to 301 points ahead of Ferrari on 252.

Max Verstappen eased the pressure on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick of victories at the Canadian Grand Prix to consolidate his early-season lead in the drivers' championship.

Max Verstappen eased the pressure on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick of victories at the Canadian Grand Prix to consolidate his early-season lead in the drivers' championship. After being beaten in two of the previous three races, the series leader and three-time champion bounced back to his competitive best, with the aid of excellent calls from his team in a tactical race, to win by 3.879 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris. Mercedes' George Russell, who started from pole position, finished third ahead of a fast, but frustrated team-mate in seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen scored his third consecutive triumph at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and the 60th win of his career, having started second on the grid and, at times, riding his luck in a dramatic contest featuring two Safety Car interventions. "That was a pretty crazy race and a lot of things were happening,"said Verstappen. "We had to keep on top of our calls and as a team we did really well today. We remained calm and we pitted at the right time." With both Ferraris failing to finish – just two weeks after Charles Leclerc claimed an emotional win in his home Monaco Grand Prix – Verstappen's success lifted him 56 points clear of the Monegasque driver in the title race. ALSO READ: French Open Final: Spain's Carlos Alcaraz outmuscles Alexander Zverev to clinch maiden title in Paris "The safety cars worked out nicely for us this time," he added, referring to the Miami Grand Prix where he lost his advantage, allowing Norris to claim his maiden win. "But even after that we were managing the gaps quite well. "I loved it. It was a lot of fun. These kind of races you need to have once in a while. The most important thing is that we won. The suspension problem is not particularly an issue." "We know what it is, so we just need to work on it. We still have room to improve." Hamilton, who was self-critical after the race, was passed by Russell in the closing laps, but finished ahead of fifth-placed Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren and two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin. -'It was wild. It was chaotic' - Local hope Lance Stroll was seventh in the second Aston Martin ahead of RB's Daniel Ricciardo and the two Alpines of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon. "A lot of fun," said Norris, who, with Piastri, brought McLaren their first points in Canada since 2014 on the 56th anniversary of the team's first win, with Bruce McLaren, at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix. "It was wild. It was chaotic. It was eventful. To be honest, I felt like I drove a good race, the whole time, from start to finish. These conditions are so stressful inside the car, but very enjoyable at the same time." Russell said: "That was an ugly race on my behalf and I am sorry for that. It feels like a big missed opportunity to be honest. We had a fast car this weekend." On a day of showers and sunshine, five cars -- Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull, both Ferraris and both Williams -- failed to finish in front of a big enthusiastic crowd who revelled in the changing conditions and race positions. Verstappen's win carried him to 194 points in the drivers' championship ahead of Leclerc on 138 and Norris on 131. In the constructors' race Red Bull, in a troubled season by their standards, moved to 301 points ahead of Ferrari on 252.

Formula 1: Max Verstappen gets back to winning ways at rain-hit Canadian Grand Prix

Mercedes driver George Russell secured the pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday (Jun 8) despite Red Bull's Max Verstappen finishing Q3 with the same time. It was only the second instance in F1 history that two drivers could not be separated after finishing the session with identical timings upto three decimal&nbsp;points.&nbsp;

Russell was first out in the qualifying&nbsp;lap and set a time of 1:12:000 which was matched by Verstappen who took to the circuit after him. The rules dictate that the driver who sets the best lap time first, gets the honour of starting the race at the top of the grid.&nbsp;

"If two or more drivers set identical times during Q1, Q2 or Q3 or SQ1, SQ2 or SQ3, priority will be given to the driver who set it first," reads the&nbsp;fourth paragraph of Article 39.4 of the FIA F1 Sporting Regulations.&nbsp;

The last time such an unlikely coincidence took place was in Jerez 1997 when Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villenuve and Heinz-Herald Fretzen finished qualifying with identical timings of 1:21.072.

At the time,&nbsp;Villeneuve secured the pole position and the next day went on to win the world championship after the well-known controversy with Schumacher.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/news-formula-1-eat-st-daniel-ricciardo-hits-back-at-jacques-villeneuve-over-criticism-730159">Also read | Formula 1: 'Eat s**t!' Daniel Ricciardo hits back at Jacques Villeneuve over criticism</a>

<h2>'First step done'</h2>

Speaking after locking the front row position, an elated Russell said:&nbsp;"Amazing. It feels so good. So much hard work at the factory has gone into this and we said it in Monaco, we hope this is the start of something for our season, and I think it is. I've missed this feeling. Excited for tomorrow. First step done, but now obviously we've got our eyes on that win."

As for Red Bull, advisor Helmut Marko revealed that it was perhaps not warming up the tyres sufficiently that&nbsp;cost Verstappen the pole.&nbsp;

“I think we can be satisfied with this result, especially after the events in the second free practice.&nbsp;It was about how you warm up your tyres and I think the warm-up lap in Q3 was just too fast," said Marko.&nbsp;

The telemetry revealed that Russell was fast in straights and took the advantage in the third sector while Verstappen struggled on the kerbs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<table>
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">Position</th>
			<th scope="col">Driver Name</th>
			<th scope="col">Time</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>George Russell (Mercedes)</td>
			<td>1:12.000</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>Max Verstappen (Red Bull)</td>
			<td>1:12.000</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>Lando Norris (McLaren)</td>
			<td>1:12.021</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>Oscar Piastri (McLaren)</td>
			<td>1:12.103</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>Daniel Ricciardo (Visa Cash App RB)</td>
			<td>
			1:12.178
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

(With inputs from agencies)

Mercedes driver George Russell secured the pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday (Jun 8) despite Red Bull's Max Verstappen finishing Q3 with the same time.

Mercedes driver George Russell secured the pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday (Jun 8) despite Red Bull's Max Verstappen finishing Q3 with the same time. It was only the second instance in F1 history that two drivers could not be separated after finishing the session with identical timings upto three decimal points. Russell was first out in the qualifying lap and set a time of 1:12:000 which was matched by Verstappen who took to the circuit after him. The rules dictate that the driver who sets the best lap time first, gets the honour of starting the race at the top of the grid. "If two or more drivers set identical times during Q1, Q2 or Q3 or SQ1, SQ2 or SQ3, priority will be given to the driver who set it first," reads the fourth paragraph of Article 39.4 of the FIA F1 Sporting Regulations. The last time such an unlikely coincidence took place was in Jerez 1997 when Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villenuve and Heinz-Herald Fretzen finished qualifying with identical timings of 1:21.072. At the time, Villeneuve secured the pole position and the next day went on to win the world championship after the well-known controversy with Schumacher. Also read | Formula 1: 'Eat s**t!' Daniel Ricciardo hits back at Jacques Villeneuve over criticism 'First step done' Speaking after locking the front row position, an elated Russell said: "Amazing. It feels so good. So much hard work at the factory has gone into this and we said it in Monaco, we hope this is the start of something for our season, and I think it is. I've missed this feeling. Excited for tomorrow. First step done, but now obviously we've got our eyes on that win." As for Red Bull, advisor Helmut Marko revealed that it was perhaps not warming up the tyres sufficiently that cost Verstappen the pole. “I think we can be satisfied with this result, especially after the events in the second free practice. It was about how you warm up your tyres and I think the warm-up lap in Q3 was just too fast," said Marko. The telemetry revealed that Russell was fast in straights and took the advantage in the third sector while Verstappen struggled on the kerbs. Position Driver Name Time 1 George Russell (Mercedes) 1:12.000 2 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:12.000 3 Lando Norris (McLaren) 1:12.021 4 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 1:12.103 5 Daniel Ricciardo (Visa Cash App RB) 1:12.178 (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Forgotten F1 rule that gave pole to George Russell over Max Verstappen after both set the same time

Daniel Ricciardo has hit back at Jacques Villeneuve after the 1997 Formula 1 champion slammed the Australian for still having a spot on the grid. After Ricciardo earned P5 in the Canadian Grand Prix qualifying session on Saturday (Jun 8), the Visa Cash App RB driver did not hold back and gave it fair and square to Villeneuve.

Daniel Ricciardo has hit back at Jacques Villeneuve after the 1997 Formula 1 champion slammed the Australian for still having a spot on the grid. After Ricciardo earned P5 in the Canadian Grand Prix qualifying session on Saturday (Jun 8), the Visa Cash App RB driver did not hold back and gave it fair and square to Villeneuve. Ricciardo said Villeneuve always talked a lot and that he 'won't give him the time of day', especially when he had locked a top grid position. "I still don't know what he said, but I heard he's been talking but he always does. I think he's hit his head a few too many times. I don't know if he plays ice hockey or something," Ricciardo told the media. "I won't give him the time of day. Top five. I've been quick all weekend. Less than two-tenths from pole. So, eat sh*t," he added. Also read | 'I prefer...': Ferrari's Frederic Vasseur reflects on Hamilton and Leclerc's F1 partnership from 2025 Villeneuv's rant Prior to the qualifying session, Villeneuve had went all out against Ricciardo in an amusing rant that went viral on social media. Villeneuve said Ricciardo had not achieved anything substantial in the sport and that his best seasons came against a past-prime Sebastian Vettel and a young Max Verstappen still finding his footing in the sport. "Why's he still in F1? Why? We are hearing the same thing now for the last four or five years," Villeneuve, 53, told SkySports. "'We have to make the car better for him'. Sorry, it's been five years of that. No, you are in F1. Maybe you make that effort for Lewis Hamilton who has won multiple championships. You don't make that effort for a driver that can't cut it," he added. Villeneuve signed off saying Ricciardo's PR value had still kept him in the sport. "You talk about those first two seasons, he was beating a (Sebastian) Vettel that was burnt out and trying to invent things. Then he was beating for half a season an 18-year-old (Max) Verstappen. He stopped beating anyone after that. I think his image has kept him in F1 more than his actual results." Ricciardo, 34, made his debut in F1 in 2011 and immediately impressed with his clever handling of the car. He won his first race in Canada in the 2014 season and finished third in the overall standings at the end of the campaign. However, the 'Honey Badger' as he is nicknamed, is currently struggling and fighting for his career in the sport. Despite having an impressive 32 race podiums on his resume, Ricciardo has underperformed this season, with teammate Yuki Tsunoda finishing ahead of him in all but one race. Ricciardo's last race win came at Monza when he was still with McLaren in 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Formula 1: 'Eat s**t!' Daniel Ricciardo hits back at Jacques Villeneuve over criticism

Esteban Ocon confirmed he would race in next week's Canadian Grand Prix and said he was "deeply saddened" by online abuse directed at him since a collision with Alpine team mate Pierre Gasly in Monaco last weekend. The first lap coming together ended Ocon's race on Sunday and the Frenchman was also handed a five place grid penalty for Montreal.

Alpine team principal Bruno Famin told reporters in Monaco that Ocon would face "appropriate consequences", which some interpreted as the&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;driver being dropped for the ninth race of the season. "While I have received many messages of support, I have been deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negativity that I have received online regarding my character, my driving and my career," Ocon said in a statement on X on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/news-formula-1-esteban-ocon-to-depart-alpine-after-string-of-poor-performances-728369">Formula 1: Esteban Ocon to depart Alpine after a string of poor performances</a>

The 27-year-old, who has started 141 races but is out of contract at the end of the season, said he had raced alongside multiple race winners with some tough battles and occasional contact. "Of course I have made honest mistakes. We are not robots," he added. "F1 is a sport where emotions run high, and passions run deep. I see and feel this every weekend at the track and on social media ... the good and the bad. "But the misinformed statements and gross distortions that I have seen online in recent days about my ability to work with a team have been inaccurate, hurtful and damaging."

Ocon said he had always followed instructions and raced to achieve the best for his team. He took responsibility for Sunday's accident and respected compatriot Gasly as a competitor and team mate. "We have always worked collaboratively and professionally inside the team and this will continue to be the case," he added. "I'm looking forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the fantastic Canadian fans, and to the exciting opportunities the future holds."

Renault-owned Alpine have had a tough season, so far collecting only two points and languishing ninth of the 10 teams.

Esteban Ocon confirmed he would race in next week's Canadian Grand Prix and said he was "deeply saddened" by online abuse directed at him since a collision with Alpine team mate Pierre Gasly in Monaco last weekend.

Esteban Ocon confirmed he would race in next week's Canadian Grand Prix and said he was "deeply saddened" by online abuse directed at him since a collision with Alpine team mate Pierre Gasly in Monaco last weekend. The first lap coming together ended Ocon's race on Sunday and the Frenchman was also handed a five place grid penalty for Montreal. Alpine team principal Bruno Famin told reporters in Monaco that Ocon would face "appropriate consequences", which some interpreted as the Formula One driver being dropped for the ninth race of the season. "While I have received many messages of support, I have been deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negativity that I have received online regarding my character, my driving and my career," Ocon said in a statement on X on Friday. Also read: Formula 1: Esteban Ocon to depart Alpine after a string of poor performances The 27-year-old, who has started 141 races but is out of contract at the end of the season, said he had raced alongside multiple race winners with some tough battles and occasional contact. "Of course I have made honest mistakes. We are not robots," he added. "F1 is a sport where emotions run high, and passions run deep. I see and feel this every weekend at the track and on social media ... the good and the bad. "But the misinformed statements and gross distortions that I have seen online in recent days about my ability to work with a team have been inaccurate, hurtful and damaging." Ocon said he had always followed instructions and raced to achieve the best for his team. He took responsibility for Sunday's accident and respected compatriot Gasly as a competitor and team mate. "We have always worked collaboratively and professionally inside the team and this will continue to be the case," he added. "I'm looking forward to competing in Montreal, in front of the fantastic Canadian fans, and to the exciting opportunities the future holds." Renault-owned Alpine have had a tough season, so far collecting only two points and languishing ninth of the 10 teams.

F1: Esteban Ocon responds to online abuse, confirms participation in Canadian Grand Prix

Red Bull`s Formula One leader Max Verstappen shone in the wet to take pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday as Alpine`s evergreen Fernando Alonso celebrated his first front-row slot in a decade. Verstappen`s main title rivals sunk out of sight, Mexican teammate Sergio Perez crashing and qualifying 13th while Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc ended a run of four poles in a row by dropping to 19th due to engine penalties.

"I still expect it not to be a straightforward race," said Verstappen after his second pole in nine races. "But today with the tricky conditions we stayed calm and didn`t make mistakes."

His qualifying time of one minute 21.299 seconds was 0.645 faster than 40-year-old Alonso`s surprising best. 
Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz was third fastest on a drying track and seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton fourth for Mercedes on a weekend dominated by talk of bouncing cars and driver safety.

"I can`t tell you how happy I am," said Hamilton of his best Saturday showing so far this season. "On pure pace in the dry we`re still a long way off but to get top four in qualifying in those conditions is awesome."

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Sunday`s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be the first in Canada since 2019 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is forecast to take place in sunny and dry conditions. Verstappen has won four of the last five races, with Red Bull chasing a sixth in a row. He leads teammate Sergio Perez by 21 points, with Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc a further 13 behind.

Double world champion Alonso, the oldest man on the grid, had been fastest in final practice and Sunday will be his first appearance on the front row since 2012 when he was on pole for Ferrari in Germany. The wily Spaniard said with a grin that he planned to attack Verstappen into the first corner and hoped to lead at least momentarily.

Haas`s Kevin Magnussen qualified fifth with teammate Mick Schumacher a career-highest sixth. Alpine`s Esteban Ocon lines up seventh and Mercedes` George Russell eighth.

"It`s something I can build on and grow from. I always loved racing in the wet conditions. On a track like this, there`s big potential for drivers showing what they can do," said Schumacher, who has yet to score a point.

McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo qualified ninth and Chinese rookie Zhou Guanyu lines up 10th for Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo. Qualifying was halted in the second phase when Perez went straight into the Tecpro barrier between turns three and four and could not reverse out.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-support-it-ukraines-elina-svitolina-on-us-opens-decision-to-allow-russian-players-to-participate-489483">'I don't support it': Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on US Open’s decision to allow Russian players to participate</a>

The car had to be craned off and the barriers repaired before the session resumed. Perez qualified one place ahead of McLaren`s Lando Norris who failed to set a time in the second stage after reporting an issue with the power unit that the team could not fix.

Williams` Alex Albon had also gone into the barriers at turn six earlier but was able to continue, returning to the pits for a new front wing and eventually qualifying 12th.

Aston Martin`s four times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Canadian Lance Stroll failed to progress through the rain and spray of the opening phase after they had raised hopes in final practice. Nicholas Latifi completed a miserable afternoon for Canadian drivers in 19th place, although the Williams driver will move up a slot after Leclerc`s demotion.

Red Bull`s Formula One leader Max Verstappen shone in the wet to take pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday as Alpine`s evergreen Fernando Alonso celebrated his first front-row slot in a decade.

Red Bull`s Formula One leader Max Verstappen shone in the wet to take pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday as Alpine`s evergreen Fernando Alonso celebrated his first front-row slot in a decade. Verstappen`s main title rivals sunk out of sight, Mexican teammate Sergio Perez crashing and qualifying 13th while Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc ended a run of four poles in a row by dropping to 19th due to engine penalties. "I still expect it not to be a straightforward race," said Verstappen after his second pole in nine races. "But today with the tricky conditions we stayed calm and didn`t make mistakes." His qualifying time of one minute 21.299 seconds was 0.645 faster than 40-year-old Alonso`s surprising best. Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz was third fastest on a drying track and seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton fourth for Mercedes on a weekend dominated by talk of bouncing cars and driver safety. "I can`t tell you how happy I am," said Hamilton of his best Saturday showing so far this season. "On pure pace in the dry we`re still a long way off but to get top four in qualifying in those conditions is awesome." Also Read: British athletes subjected to 'child abuse', reveals ex-gymnast Nicole Pavier Sunday`s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be the first in Canada since 2019 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is forecast to take place in sunny and dry conditions. Verstappen has won four of the last five races, with Red Bull chasing a sixth in a row. He leads teammate Sergio Perez by 21 points, with Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc a further 13 behind. Double world champion Alonso, the oldest man on the grid, had been fastest in final practice and Sunday will be his first appearance on the front row since 2012 when he was on pole for Ferrari in Germany. The wily Spaniard said with a grin that he planned to attack Verstappen into the first corner and hoped to lead at least momentarily. Haas`s Kevin Magnussen qualified fifth with teammate Mick Schumacher a career-highest sixth. Alpine`s Esteban Ocon lines up seventh and Mercedes` George Russell eighth. "It`s something I can build on and grow from. I always loved racing in the wet conditions. On a track like this, there`s big potential for drivers showing what they can do," said Schumacher, who has yet to score a point. McLaren`s Daniel Ricciardo qualified ninth and Chinese rookie Zhou Guanyu lines up 10th for Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo. Qualifying was halted in the second phase when Perez went straight into the Tecpro barrier between turns three and four and could not reverse out. Also Read: 'I don't support it': Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on US Open’s decision to allow Russian players to participate The car had to be craned off and the barriers repaired before the session resumed. Perez qualified one place ahead of McLaren`s Lando Norris who failed to set a time in the second stage after reporting an issue with the power unit that the team could not fix. Williams` Alex Albon had also gone into the barriers at turn six earlier but was able to continue, returning to the pits for a new front wing and eventually qualifying 12th. Aston Martin`s four times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Canadian Lance Stroll failed to progress through the rain and spray of the opening phase after they had raised hopes in final practice. Nicholas Latifi completed a miserable afternoon for Canadian drivers in 19th place, although the Williams driver will move up a slot after Leclerc`s demotion.

Max Verstappen aces wet conditions to win pole for Canadian Grand Prix edging Fernando Alonso

The Canadian Formula One Grand Prix, scheduled for June in Montreal, has been shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic and instead the race will be held in Turkey, officials said on Wednesday.

"Due to the health measures put in place to fight Covid-19, the Canadian Grand Prix has been canceled for a second consecutive year," Canadian authorities said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The event will return next year, however," and a deal has been reached between organisers and the governments of Canada and Quebec to extend its run by two years until 2031.

Formula One authorities confirmed in a short statement that because of the ongoing international travel restrictions in place in Canada, it had become impossible for anyone associated with the race to enter the country without a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

In its place this year, added Formula One, the Turkish Grand Prix will be held June 11-13.

“I want to thank the promoter and authorities in Canada for all of their efforts in recent weeks but the travel situation made our plans impossible," said Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One, in a statement

"I equally want to thank the promoter and authorities in Turkey for their ongoing willingness to host a Formula One race."

The decision ends several weeks of uncertainty as to whether the Formula One paddock with its hundreds of staff flying in from overseas would be able to set up for the race.

Discussions had been underway between the authorities of Quebec and Canada on the possibility of organising the event behind closed doors or lifting the mandatory quarantine for visitors.

The Turkish GP, which will be held at Istanbul Park, featured in the 2020 calendar when Lewis Hamilton was crowned world champion for a record-equalling seventh time, having been a regular from 2005 to 2011.

The Canadian Formula One Grand Prix, scheduled for June in Montreal, has been shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic and instead the race will be held in Turkey, officials said on Wednesday.

The Canadian Formula One Grand Prix, scheduled for June in Montreal, has been shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic and instead the race will be held in Turkey, officials said on Wednesday. "Due to the health measures put in place to fight Covid-19, the Canadian Grand Prix has been canceled for a second consecutive year," Canadian authorities said in a statement. "The event will return next year, however," and a deal has been reached between organisers and the governments of Canada and Quebec to extend its run by two years until 2031. Formula One authorities confirmed in a short statement that because of the ongoing international travel restrictions in place in Canada, it had become impossible for anyone associated with the race to enter the country without a mandatory 14-day quarantine. In its place this year, added Formula One, the Turkish Grand Prix will be held June 11-13. “I want to thank the promoter and authorities in Canada for all of their efforts in recent weeks but the travel situation made our plans impossible," said Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One, in a statement "I equally want to thank the promoter and authorities in Turkey for their ongoing willingness to host a Formula One race." The decision ends several weeks of uncertainty as to whether the Formula One paddock with its hundreds of staff flying in from overseas would be able to set up for the race. Discussions had been underway between the authorities of Quebec and Canada on the possibility of organising the event behind closed doors or lifting the mandatory quarantine for visitors. The Turkish GP, which will be held at Istanbul Park, featured in the 2020 calendar when Lewis Hamilton was crowned world champion for a record-equalling seventh time, having been a regular from 2005 to 2011.

Covid forces F1 Canadian GP to be moved to Turkey

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-controversial-win-in-canada-after-sebastian-vettel-penalty-225869">the controversial five-second time penalty</a> that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix.

In a move that requires the Italian team formally to support their decision with new evidence within 96 hours, Ferrari kept alive the controversy that followed the stewards' mid-race penalty and resulted in a petulant demonstration of his fury afterwards by the German driver.

Vettel was punished for making an unsafe re-entry to the action after 48 laps after running off track and across a strip of grass, his move squeezing Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes towards a wall and blocking him from trying to take the lead.

Vettel went on to win the race 'on the road', but after his time penalty was applied he dropped to second and Hamilton claimed a record-equalling seventh victory in Canada.

In his annoyance, Vettel launched a tirade against the race stewards, stormed away from the immediate post-race interviews, moved a number two sign from his car to Hamilton's vehicle and declared the race had been stolen from him and Ferrari.

His team chief Mattia Binotto remained calm, but defiant, saying "we won the race."

Ferrari later notified the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) of their intentions and now have until Thursday to supply fresh evidence.

'I would do the same'

Hamilton, who made clear Vettel's re-entry was dangerous, later admitted if their positions had been reversed, he would have done the same.

"I watched the replay," he said.&nbsp;

"It was obviously very close. If I was in the lead and I made a mistake and went wide, I probably would have done the same thing because it happened so quick and you're just trying to hold your position," he added.

"When I say I would do the same, I would try to squeeze him too. That's ultimately what happened."

Hamilton, however, defended the existence of the rule which led to the penalty.

"Say you didn't have that rule. I would have kept it lit and we would have crashed. So, one way or not, it was going to go badly," he said.

He said Vettel's move to squeeze his attack was understandable.

"It's a natural instinct that you have. You're not going to go 'actually, I better pull to the left and let everybody go by'. He did block me, but, unfortunately, he went off-track," he said.

"Ferrari were so strong this weekend – a really formidable force.

"We were lucky to be in the battle with them because they could have had a one-two if they had a front row, for example, but, luckily, I was able to stop that."

Hamilton also rejected suggestions comparing Vettel's mishap to the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix, where he was handed a post-race time penalty that gave a race win to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, the last incident of this type to decide a race.

"It was a lot different, but I do understand what it's like to lose a race and it's definitely not the way you want to win," he said.

It was the 12th time a driver who ‘won’ a Grand Prix race was stripped of victory.

Hamilton’s fifth win of the season and third in succession was also the 78th of his career and lifted him 29 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the title race.

Bottas finished fourth behind Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari, the first time this season Mercedes had failed to finish with both drivers on the podium. Bottas, however, did clock the fastest lap of the race to gain a bonus point.

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal the controversial five-second time penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix.

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal the controversial five-second time penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix. In a move that requires the Italian team formally to support their decision with new evidence within 96 hours, Ferrari kept alive the controversy that followed the stewards' mid-race penalty and resulted in a petulant demonstration of his fury afterwards by the German driver. Vettel was punished for making an unsafe re-entry to the action after 48 laps after running off track and across a strip of grass, his move squeezing Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes towards a wall and blocking him from trying to take the lead. Vettel went on to win the race 'on the road', but after his time penalty was applied he dropped to second and Hamilton claimed a record-equalling seventh victory in Canada. In his annoyance, Vettel launched a tirade against the race stewards, stormed away from the immediate post-race interviews, moved a number two sign from his car to Hamilton's vehicle and declared the race had been stolen from him and Ferrari. His team chief Mattia Binotto remained calm, but defiant, saying "we won the race." Ferrari later notified the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) of their intentions and now have until Thursday to supply fresh evidence. 'I would do the same' Hamilton, who made clear Vettel's re-entry was dangerous, later admitted if their positions had been reversed, he would have done the same. "I watched the replay," he said. "It was obviously very close. If I was in the lead and I made a mistake and went wide, I probably would have done the same thing because it happened so quick and you're just trying to hold your position," he added. "When I say I would do the same, I would try to squeeze him too. That's ultimately what happened." Hamilton, however, defended the existence of the rule which led to the penalty. "Say you didn't have that rule. I would have kept it lit and we would have crashed. So, one way or not, it was going to go badly," he said. He said Vettel's move to squeeze his attack was understandable. "It's a natural instinct that you have. You're not going to go 'actually, I better pull to the left and let everybody go by'. He did block me, but, unfortunately, he went off-track," he said. "Ferrari were so strong this weekend – a really formidable force. "We were lucky to be in the battle with them because they could have had a one-two if they had a front row, for example, but, luckily, I was able to stop that." Hamilton also rejected suggestions comparing Vettel's mishap to the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix, where he was handed a post-race time penalty that gave a race win to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, the last incident of this type to decide a race. "It was a lot different, but I do understand what it's like to lose a race and it's definitely not the way you want to win," he said. It was the 12th time a driver who ‘won’ a Grand Prix race was stripped of victory. Hamilton’s fifth win of the season and third in succession was also the 78th of his career and lifted him 29 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the title race. Bottas finished fourth behind Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari, the first time this season Mercedes had failed to finish with both drivers on the podium. Bottas, however, did clock the fastest lap of the race to gain a bonus point.

Ferrari plan appeal after Sebastian Vettel second-place Canada furore

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap.

Vettel, who won from pole position last year in Canada to revive Ferrari's title hopes, will be hoping for the same on Sunday with world championship leader Hamilton, chasing a record equalling seventh win in Montreal, starting alongside him.

It was the German's first pole in 17 races and 56th of his career.

Vettel's teammate Charles LeClerc will start third and Renault's Daniel Ricciardo a surprise fourth for his best qualifying effort of the season.

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly grabbed fifth on the grid and will start alongside the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, who could do no better than sixth after an early spin in the final session sent the Finn to the pits.

The importance of the pole was not lost on an emotional Vettel, who could not contain his jubilation, screaming his delight over the radio when his pit informed him "pole".

It was an eventful and dramatic qualifying session as Hamilton went first with the clock counting down, only to have Vettel bump him from top spot a tick later setting up what should be a fascinating duel on Sunday.

"I am full of adrenaline, you know what the feeling is when the car just keeps coming, you feel the grip and you go for it, that was one of those laps," smiled Vettel, who starts from pole for the first time since Hockenheim last year.

"I am very happy the last 17 races, the last weeks have been quite tough ones.

"I really enjoyed it, I wish I could do it again just for the fun of it.

"I had to pace to pace myself a bit in the first two corners because getting the tyres to grip up wasn't straight forward but after that it was just a joy the car was shouting, 'keep going, keep going'."

After taking pole and topping two of the three practice sessions, Ferrari will hope that translates into similar performance on Sunday as they look to end Mercedes' season-long domination on the island circuit named after Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve.

Mercedes have swept all six races this season, five in a one-two formation, putting pressure on rivals Ferrari to get their challenge back on track.

"I think we gave it everything today, so I'm not disappointed," said Hamilton. The timing was right, our procedures were good and I did everything I could.

"Overall, I'm happy with the job we've done and it leaves us in a good position for the race.

"I'm glad I've been able to split the Ferraris today and tomorrow is going to be an interesting race.

"Hopefully we can put on a good show tomorrow."

If Ferrari was going to make a fight back it was expected to come in Montreal on a power sensitive track that plays to the Italian outfit's straight line speed which has been evident all week.

A win would certainly help Vettel's cause as he attempts to get back into the driver's championship fight.

Hamilton leads the standings 17 points clear of Bottas with Vettel 55 adrift of the Briton.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen spent much of qualifying complaining to his pit about traffic and a lack of grip but was ultimately undone when Haas's Kevin Magnussen crashed in front of him and he did not make the final round of qualifying.

He will start Sunday's race in 11th position.

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap.

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap. Vettel, who won from pole position last year in Canada to revive Ferrari's title hopes, will be hoping for the same on Sunday with world championship leader Hamilton, chasing a record equalling seventh win in Montreal, starting alongside him. It was the German's first pole in 17 races and 56th of his career. Vettel's teammate Charles LeClerc will start third and Renault's Daniel Ricciardo a surprise fourth for his best qualifying effort of the season. Red Bull's Pierre Gasly grabbed fifth on the grid and will start alongside the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, who could do no better than sixth after an early spin in the final session sent the Finn to the pits. The importance of the pole was not lost on an emotional Vettel, who could not contain his jubilation, screaming his delight over the radio when his pit informed him "pole". It was an eventful and dramatic qualifying session as Hamilton went first with the clock counting down, only to have Vettel bump him from top spot a tick later setting up what should be a fascinating duel on Sunday. "I am full of adrenaline, you know what the feeling is when the car just keeps coming, you feel the grip and you go for it, that was one of those laps," smiled Vettel, who starts from pole for the first time since Hockenheim last year. "I am very happy the last 17 races, the last weeks have been quite tough ones. "I really enjoyed it, I wish I could do it again just for the fun of it. "I had to pace to pace myself a bit in the first two corners because getting the tyres to grip up wasn't straight forward but after that it was just a joy the car was shouting, 'keep going, keep going'." After taking pole and topping two of the three practice sessions, Ferrari will hope that translates into similar performance on Sunday as they look to end Mercedes' season-long domination on the island circuit named after Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve. Mercedes have swept all six races this season, five in a one-two formation, putting pressure on rivals Ferrari to get their challenge back on track. "I think we gave it everything today, so I'm not disappointed," said Hamilton. The timing was right, our procedures were good and I did everything I could. "Overall, I'm happy with the job we've done and it leaves us in a good position for the race. "I'm glad I've been able to split the Ferraris today and tomorrow is going to be an interesting race. "Hopefully we can put on a good show tomorrow." If Ferrari was going to make a fight back it was expected to come in Montreal on a power sensitive track that plays to the Italian outfit's straight line speed which has been evident all week. A win would certainly help Vettel's cause as he attempts to get back into the driver's championship fight. Hamilton leads the standings 17 points clear of Bottas with Vettel 55 adrift of the Briton. Red Bull's Max Verstappen spent much of qualifying complaining to his pit about traffic and a lack of grip but was ultimately undone when Haas's Kevin Magnussen crashed in front of him and he did not make the final round of qualifying. He will start Sunday's race in 11th position.

Sebastian Vettel puts Ferrari on pole at Canadian Grand Prix