After scandal mini training in Montreal: double lead for Mercedes – strong Bottas

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More than 70,000 fans remained calm when the red flag fell in the first practice session: Gasly (Alpine) was the first to retire with a defective steering wheel. It was then discovered that the surveillance cameras were working but not giving global signals.

That is too dangerous for the FIA ​​in a major accident. Just like when the rescue helicopter can’t land or take off.

Is Mercedes bluffing?

After half an hour, the two Ferraris of Sainz and Leclerc (before Bottas and Verstappen) took the lead. And finally we found Hamilton and Russell in the Mercedes up front.

Many experts believed that the double podium two weeks ago in Barcelona was a one-off in 2023. Don’t the W14’s many updates suit every track? Boss Toto Wolff: “We have improved, but maybe Spain was not the right benchmark. We are still far behind Red Bull!”

But 25 minutes from the end, Hamilton and Russell greeted each other from the front with their silver arrows. We all know it: don’t believe in predictions you don’t make yourself.

26 races – 23 wins

Well, the Bulls have won 23 of the last 26 races: Verstappen 19, Pérez 4. Only twice have Ferrari (Sainz at Silverstone and Leclerc at Spielberg) and Russell in Brazil broken this uncanny streak.

100 are true – 200 are false

Red Bull’s 100th GP victory awaits on Sunday. A real anniversary. The 200th Alfa Romeo Grand Prix, on the other hand, is a clear sham here! The Italo team, which were the first two world champions in 1950 (Farina) and 1951 (Fangio) and attempted a failed comeback between 1979 and 1985, has completed just 200 races in its nearly five years as Sauber title sponsor!

But since 2019, Alfa has not turned a screw on the Hinwil car, only spent millions on the pleasant platform for advertising, etc. Everyone should think of this “anniversary” as they please. Last Alfa podium: Patrese third in 1984 at Monza.

Hulk: Ferrari engine failed

After 31 minutes there was also a red flag in the second practice: Hülkenberg’s engine exploded on the straight in the Haas-Ferrari. The number 27 was covered with fire extinguishing foam.

Bottas between Bulls duo

After nine minutes we continued. And Valtteri Bottas, who set the best time in the five-minute mini-practice, bravely stayed at the front. In the end there was seventh place – between the two bull cars! Teammate Zhou remained in the back midfield in 14th place.

“Stop the car!”

After another seven minutes, the red flags were waved again. This time, third-placed Ocon from Monaco rolled out of the Alpine on the 4.361km route. The pit radio could clearly be heard: “Stop the car, stop the car!”

This time it was already after six minutes. And the first 17 cars were only 1.2 seconds apart! It goes without saying that every kilo of the car is fought over (minimum weight 798 kilos).

“In Ten Minutes of Rain”

And 30 minutes before the end came the expected radio message over the increasingly dark island course: “In about ten minutes the rain will come!” And he came…

Heavy rain showers are forecast for Saturday and Sunday. It usually gets uncomfortable and dangerous in Montreal.

Only newcomer Piastri has kissed the famous “Wall of Champions” at the exit of the last chicane. At the latest in qualifying from 16:00 (22:00 CET, TV live) other drivers will make their mark there.

The results of the 2nd training session

Source : Blick