Relentless in both reliability and form of late, Max Verstappen can only expect to leave the Canadian Grand Prix with what is swiftly becoming an ominous championship lead after claiming pole position in Montreal. However, Formula One’s young charger will have fierce company off the start line from the old guard, with Fernando Alonso showing all his experience and class to claim second place in treacherous wet conditions at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Certainly Verstappen’s lap was a magnificent performance for pole but Alonso, at 40, 16 years senior to the Dutchman, also delivered a masterclass, an object lesson when a wet track proved the great leveller over car performance. Alonso was last on the front row in Germany in 2012 and knows his Alpine will not be able to challenge for the win but was clearly revelling in showing off his sublime touch during qualifying.
