Fernando Alonso leads the way in final practice in Montreal

Fernando Alonso posts the fastest time in final practice in Montreal as torrential rain causes havoc… leaving Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton trailing in his wake

  • Fernando Alonso posted the fastest time of the final practice session in Montreal
  • Championship leader Max Verstappen struggled, and finished down in ninth
  • Lewis Hamilton also toiled in the rain, and ended the session in 15th place
  • Charles Leclerc will start Sunday’s race at the back after changing engines 

Fernando Alonso set the fastest time in a wet third practice session ahead of Canadian Grand Prix qualifying.

The Alpine driver set the pace on the intermediate tyre with changeable conditions around the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, where reigning champion and championship leader Max Verstappen just about kept his car out of the wall following a spin at the end of the hour.

Alonso set a time of one minute 33.836 seconds to top the time sheets ahead of the AlphaTauri of Pierre Gasly.

Fernando Alonso posted the fastest time in final practice in Canada on Saturday

Max Versteppen was only able to finish in ninth place as the weather caused problems

Max Versteppen was only able to finish in ninth place as the weather caused problems

Verstappen ended the session down in ninth, one place behind his team-mate and closest challenger in the standings, Sergio Perez. 

The Ferrari of Charles Leclerc did not take part as he replaced several parts of his power unit, meaning he is set to start the race from the back row.

He looks to now have his work cut out to try to close the gap to Verstappen and Perez in Sunday’s race. 

Sebastian Vettel was third fastest ahead of the second Alpine of Esteban Ocon, with the two McLarens of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris fifth and sixth respectively.

Charles Leclerc will start Sunday's race at the back of the grid after changing engines

Charles Leclerc will start Sunday’s race at the back of the grid after changing engines

Lewis Hamilton had a disappointing final practice, finishing down in 15th place

Lewis Hamilton had a disappointing final practice, finishing down in 15th place

George Russell was seventh for Mercedes, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton struggling down in 15th place.

Hamilton endured a difficult Azerbaijan Grand Prix last week, where he complained of severe back pain, and his fortunes are yet to turn around in Canada. 

Carlos Sainz rounded out the top 10 for Ferrari, with more inclement weather forecast before the qualifying session.

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