Max Verstappen Frustrated Despite Podium as Lewis Hamilton Shines…. read more 👇 details in the comments section
Formula 1 fans were treated to a thrilling battle between two modern legends at the Canadian Grand Prix, as and fought intensely for a podium finish in Montreal. While Hamilton left the race full of excitement after securing one of his strongest results of the season, Verstappen admitted afterwards that Red Bull simply did not have the pace to compete for second place.
The Canadian Grand Prix delivered unpredictable strategy drama from the very beginning. Changing weather conditions before the start created uncertainty across the grid, with several teams gambling on different tyre choices. The two McLaren drivers opted to start on intermediate tyres, expecting further rain to arrive during the race. However, the anticipated downpour never materialised, and the circuit gradually became dry enough for slick tyres.
That strategic mistake forced the McLarens into early pit stops, immediately compromising their race pace and dropping them behind several rivals. Their misfortune opened the door for drivers like Verstappen and Hamilton to move into podium contention far earlier than expected.
Another key turning point came when Mercedes driver was forced to retire due to a battery-related issue. Russell had been one of the fastest drivers throughout the weekend and looked capable of securing another strong result for Mercedes. His retirement promoted Verstappen into second place and Hamilton into third, setting up a dramatic late-race duel between the pair.
Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, appeared particularly strong after switching onto medium tyres during the latter stages of the race. The seven-time world champion steadily closed the gap to Verstappen and began applying intense pressure as the laps counted down. With fresher tyres and improved grip, Hamilton looked increasingly likely to make a move.
That decisive moment finally arrived on lap 62. In one of the standout overtakes of the race, Hamilton attacked Verstappen around the outside into Turn 1, producing a bold and perfectly judged move that thrilled spectators. Once ahead, the Ferrari driver maintained his composure and defended the position successfully until the chequered flag.
The overtake secured Hamilton second place behind race winner and marked Ferrari’s most encouraging result of the 2026 season so far. It also represented Hamilton’s best finish since making his high-profile switch to Ferrari, giving both the driver and the Italian team a significant confidence boost moving forward.
Hamilton’s mood after the race reflected the importance of the achievement. The British driver appeared energised and emotional during the post-race celebrations, enthusiastically congratulating Antonelli in parc ferme and celebrating with his Ferrari crew. His performance reminded fans of the aggressive racecraft and determination that helped him win seven world championships.
Verstappen, however, offered a more measured reaction despite still finishing on the podium. Speaking after the race, the Dutchman admitted that Red Bull lacked the outright speed needed to challenge Hamilton once the Ferrari found its rhythm.
According to Verstappen, the retirement of Russell actually helped Red Bull secure a better result than they may otherwise have achieved. He explained that the Mercedes cars likely had superior pace and could have escaped further up the road had Russell remained in the race.
The reigning champion also pointed to tyre performance as a major issue throughout the Grand Prix. Verstappen revealed that he struggled to generate enough temperature in his tyres, particularly during the medium-tyre stint, which left him unable to extract consistent grip from the car.
He explained that the tyres never fully entered their ideal operating window, making the car difficult to handle through several sections of the circuit. While Red Bull managed to salvage a podium finish, Verstappen acknowledged that the team still has work to do if they want to consistently fight at the front against improving rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes.
Despite his disappointment, Verstappen still recognised the podium as a valuable result on a challenging weekend for Red Bull, especially considering the competitive pace shown by several rival teams throughout the race.