First to arrive: How Russell conquered the pole position in the F1 race in Canada.

George Russell of Mercedes AMG F1 celebrated his pole position in the qualifying parc fermé with Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Canada. This marked the first time since 1997 that two drivers achieved the same pole position time in a Formula 1 qualifying session. However, Russell was given the spotlight over Verstappen due to the FIA F1 Sporting Regulations, which prioritize the driver who set the time first. This historic moment at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve recalls Jacques Villeneuve’s victory at the 1997 European Grand Prix, where three drivers achieved the same pole time. The thrilling race weekend saw Villeneuve finally clinch the title after Michael Schumacher’s failed attempt to thwart his progress.