FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2025

Spain provided us with insight into what the difference is between track dictated strategy decisions and imposed, top-down strategy decisions.

In stark contrast to Monaco, Spain allowed for two effective strategy approaches. Red Bull's three-stopper (with Max at the helm) was as effective as McLaren's two-stop. The safety car near the end threw a wrench into the works. (and the unnecessarily long time it took to clear it was also a factor) But, it provided a compelling narrative for the race, if not super exciting side-by-side action.

That safety car period did allow some shake-ups in the order with Hulkenberg scoring an astounding 5th place for Stake, having passed BOTH Ferraris on track. But don't forget, he was running 8th before the safety car came out and was definitely on pace to finish in the points on merit.

The same can't be said for Alonso, who qualified well but faded throughout the race and was lucky to find himself in position for his first points of the year after the shake-up. Drama continues to plague Aston Martin with rumors of Lance Stroll throwing tantrums in the garage and possibly being replaced for his home grand prix. I think it's very unlikely that he'll be replaced at the team and even more unlikely that he'll be replaced by the team at his home race. But weirder things have happened.

Notable performances-
-Borteleto outqualified Hulkenberg again. they've basically split qualifying honors this year. And, in case you've forgotten, Hulk is widely considered to be one of the best qualifiers on the current grid.
-Isaac Hadjar got his 4th points finish of the year. That means that of the races he's started, he's scored points in half of them. He's dominating the driver that Red Bull claimed was the future of the organization at the beginning of the year.
-Oscar Piastri had the largest pole margin of the year and turned it into a textbook example of race craft and control from the front.

Notable blunders-
-Max Verstappen threw away 11 points with an on-track tantrum. It's not the first time an F1 pilot has used their car as a weapon on track, but it might be the dumbest.
-Yuki Tsunoda qualified 20th. He's shown some speed in that second Red Bull during practice and some good chops during the race but his one-lap pace has to improve. I'm really worried he's going to wreck Hadjar's career.

The teams head to Montreal this week. We'll be back at the Carolina Ale house in Briar Creek. Bodwin Realty isn't picking up the check this time, so we'll have to buy our own food and beverages, but I think we'll manage. Hope to see you all there!