Max Verstappen was delighted to see Fernando Alonso secure their first front row start together at the Canadian Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion flexed his muscles in a wet qualifying at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, claiming pole position by six-tenths over the Alpine driver.
But despite having been the class of the field in all conditions so far, Verstappen is still sure he faces a complicated 70 laps on Sunday.
“I still expect it not to be a straightforward race, but I think today, with the tricky conditions, we stayed calm, we didn’t make mistakes and we had the right calls in Q3,” he explained post-session.
A thrilling end to an epic qualifying session ?
Pole posiiton #15 for @Max33Verstappen! #CanadianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/oG1dPvPsTt
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 18, 2022
“So of course, I’m super happy with that, to get pole position here and also to be back here in Montreal.
“It has been a while and you really get that go-karting sensation with real proper kerbs here. So, we always enjoy driving here and I am looking forward to tomorrow.”
One reason for Verstappen’s slight caution is knowing just how aggressive Alonso can be on the run to Turn 1.
“I used to look at F1 as a kid and see Fernando up there and winning his races and championships, so to be sharing the front row is a nice thing,” he said.
“Fernando is getting a little bit old but he is still very fast. I know he starts very well so I have to be ready.”
#FernandoAlonso ends a near 10-year wait for an #F1 front row in qualifying at the #CanadianGP!
El Plan in full effect! #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/3ufexet1Gw
— InsideRacing.com (@INSIDERACINGcom) June 18, 2022