‘Insane’: Fernando Alonso stuns F1 with front row start in Canadian GP

An ageless F1 champion has pulled out a stunning qualifying lap to prove to the world that age is just a number.

Alpine’s Fernando Alonso has pulled off a stunning qualifying drive and will start from the front row at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The 40-year-old Alonso finished second after a brilliant day in which he was the fastest in FP2 before he pipped Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz for a spot on the front row alongside championship leader Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who was six tenths of a second faster than the rest of the field.

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Terrible conditions greeted the drivers as Sky Sport’s Martin Brundle said the first laps were “borderline” to be red flagged as plenty of water was sitting on the track.

But the experience two-time world champion was unfazed as Alonso was supreme in the wet.

It’s just the second time in the hybrid era — since 2014 — that Alonso has started in the top three.

Hilariously, Alonso turned up to the TV pen for interviews after qualifying, rather than the press conference for the top three drivers.

Alonso’s performances continue to defy his age and look to keep young Aussie star Oscar Piastri at bay, after the 2020 F3 and 2021 F2 champion looks to break into F1.

Fernando Alonso is a beast. Clive Rose/Getty Images/AFP

A popular performance, Alonso got a great reaction from the Canadian crowd as he got out of the car.

“It feels great, it’s been an unbelievable weekend for us so far, we’ve been competitive during free practice,” Alonso said to Sky Sports.

“But thanks to the wet conditions today, the car was mega. I felt so comfortable with driving this car and I think the fans also pushed me to make an extra push.

Asked what he’d do during the race if it dried up for the race, Alonso said: “I think I’ll attack Max on the first corner.”

Alonso’s lap was insane. Car was all over the place under him but his lines were so good. What a driver 🥰 #F1

— David Perel (@davidperel) June 18, 2022

If you told 2005-2006 me I would be cheering at the good fortune of Fernando Alonso in 2022 I wouldn't have believed you because time travel isn't real. https://t.co/u0ZeSNjy7K

— Max Steele (@maxasteele) June 18, 2022

Just passed by Fernando Alonso running through the paddock clapping and with the biggest smile. You love to see it

— Kayla Grey (@Kayla_Grey) June 18, 2022

Alonso is 100% trying to take the lead at the first corner tomorrow by hook or by crook and however it works out will be great entertainment.

— Daniel Austin (@_Dan_Austin) June 18, 2022

In the press conference, Verstappen had some nice words to say about Alonso, praising the star’s brilliant performance.

“It’s been a while to be on the front row of the grid with Fernando,” Verstappen said.

“I used to look at F1 when I was a little kid and seeing Fernando up there and winning his races and championships and putting it on pole.

“To be sharing the front row is a nice thing.

“Of course Fernando is getting a bit old but he’s still very fast. I know he starts very well so I have to be ready.”

It was a surprising grid all round as Haas locked out the third row with Kevin Magnussen in fifth and Mick Schumacher in sixth, while Alpine’s day got even better with Esteban Ocon in seventh.

Merecedes’ Lewis Hamilton also appeared to get on top of his car, pulling out a fourth place finish despite labelling his car as “undrivable” on Friday.

Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell went for the bold move of being the only driver to try slick tyres but slid off the road and will start eighth.

while Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu made Q3 for the first time and will line up next to Aussie Daniel Ricciardo on the fifth row of the grid.

It was a dramatic Q2 as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez didn’t make it into the top 10.

Perez ran into the wall, forcing a red flag early in the session, while Norris and Leclerc were unable to lay down a lap time.

Max Verstappen seemed genuinely surprised. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images/AFP

Norris reported a power unit issue during Perez’ crash and while he was able to come out, was forced to pit without a time on the board.

Leclerc was already set to start from the back of the field after taking engine penalties and didn’t want to risk it in the tricky conditions.

However, Norris’ missing Q3 is good news for Aussie Daniel Ricciardo, who claimed his second qualifying win of the season in the head-to-head clash between the teammates.

Canadian Grand Prix Qualifying Top 10

1) Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2) Fernando Alonso (Alpine)

3) Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

4) Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

5) Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

6) Mick Schumacher (Haas)

7) Esteban Ocon (Alpine)

8) George Russell (Mercedes)

9) Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)

10) Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)