Verstappen pays particular attention to Sainz: 'Alonso no competitor for the win'

Max Verstappen is in a position of luxury prior to the Canadian Grand Prix, but the Dutchman knows better than anyone that accidents can happen at a small corner. Especially in 2022.

Verstappen is having a great time at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Red Bull driver was almost seven tenths faster than number two Fernando Alonso, and with the Spaniard in second place he has someone next to him who he knows is not a real competitor for victory. Carlos Sainz might be, but he will only start from third place.

Verstappen on his way to victory

Charles Leclerc will start from last place. The Monegasque replaced his entire engine after the failure in Azerbaijan and is now paying the price again. Verstappen says to Motorsport.com that he is surprised that reliability plays such a big role in 2022. The Dutchman was suffering from it a lot at the beginning of this season and now sees his title rival drop out a lot (in Barcelona and Baku).

With Leclerc at the back of the grid and Sergio Perez starting from P13 due to a mistake in qualifying, it does make Verstappen's race more manageable. He doesn't see Alonso as a real rival for victory, but Sainz does. The Dutchman's gaze will therefore be mainly on the Ferrari driver, who will start right behind him.