Lewis Hamilton is fastest in Canadian Grand Prix practice once it finally gets underway after the cameras cut out, while Max Verstappen is only sixth fastest
- Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in practice on Friday in Montreal
- He led team one-two in the second session with George Russell trailing by 0.027 seconds
- Max Verstappen was sixth fastest but is favorite to win the Canadian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in practice for the Canadian Grand Prix on Friday.
The seven-time world champion led a Mercedes one-two in FP2 with George Russell 0.027 seconds behind.
World champion Max Verstappen was only sixth, but his recent dominance means the Dutchman remains favorite for victory when competitive action begins with qualifying on Saturday.
But Hamilton’s top performances are a boost for the Silver Arrows after some dismal results.
Montreal is one of Hamilton’s favorite circuits. Here he won his first race in 2007. He has a combined record of seven Canadian victories to his credit.
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in practice for the Canadian Grand Prix on Friday
World champion Max Verstappen was only sixth but is favorite to win Sunday’s race
Rain is expected for qualifying, adding an extra ingredient that could upset the usual order led by Red Bull, who have won all seven races so far this season.
Hamilton’s fastest run came after first practice was canceled because the cameras broke, causing him to retire after just four minutes.
The TV network is needed for security reasons and hasty repairs were made to get the second session up and running.
The later run was extended by 30 minutes to make up for the early farce.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was third fastest with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso fourth and Charles Leclerc, in the second Ferrari, fifth.
Rain fell as FP2 closed.
The race comes after Hamilton demanded a five-year contract to re-sign for Mercedes.
Mail Sport understands that the seven-time world champion wants to continue racing to the age of 43, earning him £250 million, although it remains to be seen whether the team is prepared to bow to this wish.
The race comes after Hamilton demanded a five-year contract to re-sign for Mercedes
A source with knowledge of the lengthy negotiations said: “Lewis wants five years, and if it was just a one-year extension, I don’t think he would accept it.
“Maybe they should compromise because while George (Russell) has probably made peace with the idea of Lewis being around for a few more years, he may not accept being in his teammate’s shadow for the long haul.” .
“There is always an attraction to Ferrari, but Lewis will probably think his only chance of winning his eighth title is to stay where he is.”
‘Money is not a delaying factor.’