2023 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix highlights

Hear from Fernando, Lance and Team Principal Mike Krack following a dramatic 2023 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, which was affected by a late rain shower, as the AMF1 Team equalled its highest finishing position of second.

Fernando secures second and Lance battles into the top 10 in front of his home fans as AMF1 Team comes away from Canada with another points haul.

Lance, meanwhile, battled a grid penalty and an unfortunately timed Safety Car as he gained seven places to complete a comeback to P9 – making a stunning last-gasp pass on the final lap – adding more points to Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team’s tally.

Both drivers began on Medium tyres, switching to Hards and pitting for Hards once again as two pitstops were the order of the day – while the rain held off on Sunday. That was after a wet and stoppage-hit Friday and a Saturday that saw plenty of rain and plenty of action, leading to a mixed-up grid.

Scroll down to read the thoughts of Fernando, Lance, and Mike as they entertained fans and brought home a solid result from Canada’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Fernando Alonso

It was a great result for Aston Martin today and another podium for the team. I think it was our most competitive race yet and the upgrades on the car are working well.

I lost the position to Lewis [Hamilton] at the start, but we had some good pace and after a close battle we retook second. It was then like a qualifying session as Lewis was pushing at the end and we had to keep him there and not make any mistakes.

We hope to put more pressure on Max in Austria.

Lance Stroll

It was a good recovery drive to score a couple of points this afternoon. We got unlucky with the Safety Car; pitting a lap before it was deployed meant we missed out on a cheaper stop while the cars around us were able to take that opportunity.

Our focus had to shift to damage limitation and trying to pick up a couple of points for the team. There are still positives to take from the race; the AMR23 felt strong and was performing well.

I had a fun final lap too, overtaking Valtteri [Bottas] just before the finish line. To hear the cheers from the grandstands when I took the position was great, and I want to say thank you to all the fans who have shown their support this weekend.

Mike Krack, Team Principal:

Congratulations to Fernando, Lance and the entire team on another great result. It was a very well-executed race with a strong pace, clean pitstops, and important overtakes.

There was not a moment to relax as Fernando stayed close to Max [Verstappen] and kept a gap to Lewis to finish second. We also had to play it safe with some lift and coast to manage a fuel system issue.

It was good to see Lance make a great comeback and score valuable points too. He was heavily disadvantaged by the Safety Car. It came out a lap after his first pitstop, which cost him several positions and undid much of his hard work in the opening laps. He kept his head down and recovered well to take ninth place on the final lap. We leave Montréal, our second home race, with 20 important points for the Constructors’ Championship.

Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team best pictures:

Portrait, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, GP2309a, F1, GP
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team on the drivers parade

action, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, GP2309a, F1, GP
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin AMR23

Portrait, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, GP2309a, F1, GP, Canada
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin F1 Team

Portrait, Helmets, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, GP2309a, F1, GP, Canada
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin F1 Team

Portrait, Podium, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, GP2309a, F1, GP, Canada
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team, 2nd position, celebrates on the podium with his trophy

Podium, Portrait, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, GP2309a, F1, GP
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team, 2nd position, passes his Champagne bottle down from the podium

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