Canadian Grand Prix: Hamilton puts Monaco behind him and cruises to win

Lewis Hamilton bounced back from his Monaco disappointment and cruised to his fourth win in Montreal with his team-mate Nico Rosberg coming home in a close second place in today’s Canadian Grand Prix. Hamilton today also broke the record for the most laps led by a British driver, the record previously held by Nigel Mansell. Valtteri Bottas joined the Mercedes pair on the podium.

In what was a relatively event free race, Hamilton took the chequered flag 2.2 seconds ahead of Rosberg who shadowed Hamilton all the way home.

All drivers got away well with the majority holding position, Hamilton held the lead up until his pit stop on lap 29. Rosberg stopped one lap later with the gap around 3 seconds. After rejoining the circuit it was clear that Rosberg had made up ground after his stop with the gap closing to just over one second and at times dipping below one second, despite Rosberg getting into DRS range, he was unable to mount a challenge to Hamilton.

From there on out it was all about looking after the car and bringing it home. With Hamilton looking to save fuel by lifting and coasting around 50 meters before the braking zone, it was Rosberg’s task to look after his brakes. At a circuit in which the brakes come under immense stress, getting them to the end would not be easy. Mercedes ran into problems with brakes at last year’s Canadian Grand Prix on Hamilton’s side of the garage and were adamant not to have a repeat performance.  

Hoist ’em high boys! That was hard-earned!! What a result!!! YES!!!! #F1 #CanadianGP @LewisHamilton @nico_rosberg pic.twitter.com/YI4VNF2nrN

— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) June 7, 2015

Behind the two Mercedes, Bottas took his first podium finish of the year after starting behind the much fancied Kimi Raikkonen. The Ferrari was going well in third place, Raikkonen made his first stop on lap 29, however the 2007 champion span at the hairpin which damaged his rear tyres. Raikkonen let his feelings be known after on the team radio. “That’s exactly the same as last year!” referring to a spike in power when applying the throttle at low speed. After the spin, the Finn could not catch Bottas and went on to come home in 4th place. 

Get in! RT @glenn_dunbar Get in! First podium for #BO77AS #williamsmartiniracing #canadagp #f1 #3rd #podium pic.twitter.com/wn2pQOeZfz

— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) June 7, 2015

After starting the race in 18th following a frustrating qualifying session yesterday as well as being hit with a grid penalty after overtaking Roberto Merhi in FP3 under red flags, all eyes were on Sebastian Vettel and his fight through the field. Felipe Massa also endured a difficult Saturday. Vettel had quite the afternoon.

The four-time champion found himself stuck behind the slower Marcus Ericsson for a number of laps until he ultimately got by before his stop which did not go to plan. Vettel’s stop was early but also slow, he later then got caught up in a tangle with Nico Hulkenberg which saw Hulkenberg mount the kerb and spin his Force India at the final chicane. 

Vettel came home an impressive drive to finish 5th just under 5 seconds behind Raikkonen with Massa just behind the German in 6th place. Massa also found himself stuck behind the Sauber, the Brazilian after a few laps also got passed but Ericsson did not make it easy for him. Massa got alongside Ericsson on the run to Turn 1 and had the inside line for Turn 2, with more traction Massa got better drive of out the corner and moved up a position in what is sure to be a contender for pass of the season.

Lap 10/70: Thrilling stuff as Massa and Ericsson go toe-to-toe and tyre-to-tyre. Massa up to 11th place #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/LcQcf7X0TN

— Formula 1 (@F1) June 7, 2015

Pastor Maldonado took his first points of the season which delighted the team, but for Lotus it could have been a whole lot better. After a strong showing on both Friday and Saturday, Maldonado finished the race in 7th place. Romain Grosjean was also on for a good points finish but came to blows with the Marussia of Will Stevens when lapping the Marussia. Grosjean was seen to be at fault for the incident which resulted in Grosjean being hit with five-second penalty. The Lotus driver took the final points behind Nico Hulkenberg and the Red Bull of Daniil Kvyat whose team endured a difficult weekend on a track that is suited to horse power.

Sorry for my team as I made a mistake today and lost some good points… But a lot of positive for the #AustrianGP #r8main #CanadianGP

— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) June 7, 2015

Another team who endured a torrid weekend was McLaren. Neither car managed to make it to the end of the race. Both Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso were told to save fuel throughout the duration of the race. Both cars dropped out with exhaust issues. Thankfully, judging by his latest tweet, Fernando Alonso’s spirits are still high.

@JensonButton ….Is this a bit better..? Well, probably depends upon how you look at it.. #keeppushing #keepUnited pic.twitter.com/zmTOxk7j29

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) June 7, 2015

Here is the result of the 2015 Canadian Grand Prix 

Drivers Championship Standings

Constructor’s Championship Standings