Extreme weather conditions wreaked havoc on the first day of practice at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec. Just moments before the session was set to begin, thunder, lightning, and heavy rain gave way to a sudden hailstorm. The track was drenched by a strong downpour, setting the stage for a challenging day of racing.
However, it wasn’t just the weather that stole the spotlight during the practice sessions. Max Verstappen’s early exit in his Red Bull car due to a smoky engine issue quickly became the talk of the paddock. Red Bull reported that the smoke was caused by a battery problem. Verstappen expressed his disappointment, stating that he would have liked to have driven more laps and that the incident wasn’t how he wanted to finish the session. Red Bull’s motorsport director, Helmut Marko, revealed that the issue originated from the electric part of the engine and that further investigation was required.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso made a strong impression with the fastest lap of the day, clocking in at 1 minute and 15.810 seconds. He showcased his skill and adaptability amidst the challenging conditions, recognizing that making the right decisions could be crucial for success in qualifying and the race.
The weather continued to wreak havoc throughout the day. McLaren’s Lando Norris set the fastest lap in the wet conditions after the downpour delayed the first practice. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc followed closely behind. The unpredictable weather created a rollercoaster of conditions for the drivers, with sunshine giving way to hail and torrential rain.
The inclement weather prompted event organizers to ask spectators to evacuate the grandstands while police closed off access to Notre Dame Island. However, just minutes before the expected start time, the storm ceased, and fans were allowed back in. Groundcrews worked tirelessly to clear the standing water from the track, but the conditions remained far from ideal.
The challenging conditions caused several incidents throughout the session. Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu triggered a red flag when he aqua-planed and collided with the wall at Turn 5. Other drivers, including Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll, also struggled to maintain control, sliding off course and into the grass.
Looking ahead, the forecast predicts more rain for the weekend, adding further uncertainty to the qualifying session and the race itself. The ability to make strategic decisions based on the ever-changing weather conditions will be crucial for success on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
In conclusion, the first day of practice at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was marked by extreme weather conditions and technical issues. The unexpected hailstorm, along with Max Verstappen’s smoky exit in his Red Bull car, dominated the conversations in the paddock. Nevertheless, Fernando Alonso showcased his skill by finishing with the fastest lap. The unpredictable weather continued to pose challenges for the drivers, forcing them to adapt quickly. With more rain expected throughout the weekend, strategic decision-making will be key to achieving success in qualifying and the race.
