TRACKSIDE VIEW
Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers one of the best ‘first’ corners on the grand prix calendar. Despite the short run to the medium-speed left-hander, which then becomes a long, slow right-hander, battles can ebb and flow in a matter of seconds.
Standing opposite the elongated exit of Turn 2, the speed the field carries into the first left-hander at the start of the race is unbelievable. As you attempt to process the 20 flashes of colour cascading into the turn, contact between the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas and
Max Verstappen’s Red Bull seems inevitable. A brief puff of smoke and the duo makes it through, the rest of the field a frenzy behind them.
At the restart after the unwelcome appearance of the safety car, Sergio Perez’s Force India flies sideways across the runoff area after contact with Carlos Sainz at the entry to Turn 1, before returning to the track in the middle of Turn 2. On the television coverage it looks calm, but from a few metres away it seems inevitable he will be collected.
Amid the sensory overload of the early laps of a grand prix, it’s one of so many breathtaking moments that the drivers make look simple and straightforward when you are watching from distance or on screen.
As the race settles down, the difference between Bottas and Lewis Hamilton through this sequence is striking. It was clear in practice, but in the race it’s more pronounced. Hamilton is visibly struggling with the rear end, which makes him hesitant as he goes from left lock to right.
A few laps later the rear end steps out, forcing a very big application of opposite lock. He goes very wide, which compromises him through the second right-hander.
Both in practice and during the race, the Red Bull looks sublime through this sequence. Verstappen in particular can carry in tremendous speed and seems able to kiss the inside kerb on entry without destabilising the car. He made the transition from left lock to right beautifully here during free practice three. But the big difference to Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull’s number two driver during this weekend, is on exit during practice. For whatever reason, Verstappen is better able to control the wheelspin and keep the rear of the car in check – essential for the launch onto the straight that follows, especially in a Renault-engined car that still lacks power.
Sebastian Vettel just looks imperious and serene, hitting his marks and never looking like making mistakes lap after lap early on in the race. It was that kind of afternoon for the Ferrari driver.