2024 F1 Canadian GP: Qualifying Predictions

The best part of making the F1 Canadian GP qualifying predictions is that we have literally no data to fall back on. Whatever little runs on track we had were not as indicative or conclusive in any which way.

This is precisely what makes this whole exercise so much fun, because what we're going to do is weigh in on the variables that determine success in mixed conditions. We're going to look at the ability of drivers to excel in these conditions or the ability to make the right calls.

We're going to look at teams that have shown an ability to be the best in terms of operational efficiency. When you add all of this up and you look at the entire grid, you see that there's certainly a potential of some unpredictable results. With that being said, let's take a look at our predictions for the F1 Canadian GP qualifying.

#5 Esteban Ocon beats Pierre Gasly

We're going with Esteban Ocon beating Pierre Gasly in qualifying, and this one is entirely based on one thing - Ocon's back is against the wall. The French driver has faced ridicule from multiple corners since the race in Monaco, and at this stage, he's looking at an uncertain future.

In all of this, the driver comes into the weekend and finds out he won't be driving in FP1 and has a five-place grid penalty. While many drivers would wilt under such pressure, this is the situation that Ocon is very familiar with throughout his career. We're backing him to have the edge in qualifying and beat his teammate.

#4 Sergio Perez will not make it to Q3

Sergio Perez has not had the best of form lately and has struggled to keep up with Max Verstappen. Red Bull is not as dominant as it used to be in the past, and rain has not been Checo's best friend in the last few instances. For the F1 Canadian GP qualifying, we're predicting Perez not to reach Q3 and hence make it to the top 10 of the starting grid.

#3 Expect Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg to shine

If there are a few drivers who have truly impressed in the wet in the last few years, then that's Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg. The two drivers have continued to impress whenever we have weather causing an intervention.

It was visible on this track as well when Hulkenberg ended up qualifying on the front row last season in the wet weather. Do not count these two out as they try to pull the rabbit out of the hat for their respective teams.

#2 Lewis Hamilton will be in the top 5

Lewis Hamilton might be the driver to keep an eye on this weekend. The driver has looked quite impressive in the car all weekend and sounded quite confident while talking to the media. His ability in wet weather is unquestionable, and with the kind of form that he's shown, we're expecting a top-five qualifying result from the driver.

#1 Max Verstappen gets pole for the F1 Canadian GP

As we said at the start of the piece, to succeed in the F1 Canadian GP qualifying, which is likely to be marred by weather disruptions, you need to be quick on your feet and have the ability to not make mistakes.

Even though some of the aura around Red Bull has taken a hit, if there is one team anyone would expect to get it right in these conditions, then it is the reigning champions. We're backing Max Verstappen to secure pole position for the F1 Canadian GP.