Explained: Here is how George Russell clinched pole position from Max Verstappen at Canadian Grand Prix

In a stunning display of skill and precision, George Russell and Max Verstappen achieved identical lap times during the qualifying session for the Canadian Grand Prix, marking one of Formula 1's most remarkable feats. Both drivers clocked a similar time of 1:12.000 on the 4.361km Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

This extraordinary event refers to a time over 40 years ago when Formula 1 moved time laps to three decimal places, aiming to eliminate dead heat. The last event occurred in 1997 at the European Grand Prix, where three drivers— Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villeneuve, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen —posted the same qualifying time.

Where did George Russell outplayed Max Verstappen?

Russell's impressive performance secured him pole position. It is a significant achievement considering it is only the second pole of his Formula 1 career. Despite Verstappen edging the first sector by a tenth of a second, Russell countered strongly in sector two. In the final sector, it was Verstappen, the three-time F1 champion, who narrowly had the advantage, but it wasn't enough to clinch the pole from Russell.

Analyzing the data reveals fascinating insights into how this identical timing was achieved. Verstappen's Red Bull car demonstrated superior performance through the corners, while Russell's Mercedes had a notable speed advantage on the straights, reaching up to six kilometres per hour faster. Verstappen did lose a fraction of time coming out of Turn 7, which may have contributed to the final identical result.

Can George Russell win the first Grand Prix for Mercedes in Montreal?

This extraordinary qualifying session not only highlights the remarkable talents of both drivers but also underscores the competitive nature of this season’s Formula 1. Russell’s pole position prevents Verstappen from securing his third consecutive pole at the Canadian Grand Prix, adding an intriguing twist to the championship battle.

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As the race unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if Russell can convert this pole into a victory or if Verstappen will leverage his race craft to come out on top. The Canadian Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling spectacle, building on the excitement of this historic qualifying session.