REPORT: Firmly in the mix in Montreal

We are preparing to be in the battle for points after our best Qualifying result as a team in the 2024 season so far.

The rain threatened but never fully arrived, allowing three clean knockout sessions.

For the first time this year, both cars progressed out of Q1 with Alex Albon in P4 and Logan Sargeant in P9.

A small but insignificant shower hit the track just before the start of Q2, but this didn’t have any major effect on the track condition.

After our first Q2 push, Logan sat in P6 with Alex in P9 - both would improve on their final efforts, but Sarge was knocked out by just seven-hundredths of a second, placing him P13.

Alex found the time needed to make the top-10 shootout, knocking both Ferraris out as he climbed in P6.

For the second race weekend in succession, Alex was in Q3 and improved across both of his attempts in the final stage, with his ultimate time of 1:12.796 good enough for P10.

“A frustrating Saturday,” Alex started. “We did a small set-up change before Qualifying and the car felt good from the get-go.

“We had strong pace in Q1 and Q2, but we tried a different run-plan in Q3 which didn't work out for us.

“The shower of rain between sessions dropped the track temperature and we struggled to warm up the tyres, compromising our final Q3 attempt.

“Tomorrow will be challenging with two Ferraris behind, but equally I think we have a race in front of us with the Aston Martins and RBs.

“Overall, it's positive to have two Q3 appearances in a row and I think rain tomorrow will create some good opportunities for us.”

Logan continued our reaction by saying: “It's a little bit frustrating as I got held up on my best lap. I actually gained a tenth and a half on myself.

“If I had that time, I would’ve been straight through to Q3 which is disappointing as you know it’s been left on the table.

“Nonetheless it’s been another solid weekend considering the conditions and how we’ve adapted.

“Our car pace is a little bit better here which elevates us as a team. I feel like I’ve been driving well with the package I have at the moment.

“We’re in a position that we can definitely fight from tomorrow. I’m sure it’s going to be a tricky day with most likely changing conditions through the race.

“We’ve managed it well so far and we’ll try to keep doing the same.”

Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, concluded our Saturday reaction by saying: “Today was going to be a challenge due to the predicted variable weather but in the end the rain missed P3 and Qualifying.

“The car performed well in these colder track conditions and tyre preparation was key for progressing to the next Qualifying session.

“Logan performed well and progressed into Q2 with some very strong laps. Unfortunately, he missed Q3 by a tenth, but he can look back on a good Qualifying session.

“Although we had to go through some tricky moments in Q2, Alex made it into Q3 with a very strong last push lap.

“Starting from P10 and P13 puts us in a good position to fight for points tomorrow but the weather forecast predicts showers in the afternoon so it will be all to play for.”