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Hamilton Leads Final Practice for Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen Close Behind
Lewis Hamilton (39), a seasoned veteran at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve with seven victories to his name, showcased his mastery of the Montreal track by topping the timing sheets in the final practice session ahead of the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix. Hamilton, whose illustrious career includes his maiden Grand Prix win in Montreal back in 2007, posted a blistering lap time of one minute 12.549 seconds, asserting his dominance despite challenging weather conditions.
Throughout the frantic final practice, which followed rain-disrupted opening sessions, Hamilton demonstrated his prowess behind the wheel, navigating the island circuit with precision and speed. Despite facing stiff competition, particularly from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton maintained his composure to secure the top spot on the timing sheets. Verstappen, who encountered car issues during Friday’s sessions, delivered a strong performance to claim second place, trailing Hamilton by a margin of 0.374 seconds.
Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, also impressed with a third-place finish, signaling a promising outlook for Mercedes ahead of qualifying later in the day. Notably, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, a hometown favorite hailing from Montreal, delighted the crowd by securing the fourth spot on the timing sheet, showcasing his skill and familiarity with the circuit.
Following the tumultuous weather conditions that plagued Friday’s practice sessions, drivers were greeted with dry but overcast conditions for the final practice. Despite the improved weather, challenges persisted on the track, as evidenced by Zhou Guanyu’s early spin into the barrier, prompting a red flag. Zhou’s unfortunate incident highlighted the demanding nature of the resurfaced layout, further emphasizing the importance of adaptability and skill in Formula One racing.
The final practice session also saw notable performances from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, who finished seventh and eighth, respectively. Sergio Perez, representing Red Bull, secured the ninth spot on the timing sheet, rounding out the top ten in preparation for Sunday’s race.
As the anticipation builds for qualifying and the main event, Hamilton’s commanding performance in final practice serves as a testament to his enduring skill and determination to excel on one of Formula One’s most challenging circuits. With the stage set for an exhilarating race, fans eagerly await the unfolding drama and spectacle of the Canadian Grand Prix.
