Max Verstappen starts 9th due to Magnussen and Sainz penalties

Carlos Sainz and Kevin Magnussen have both dropped places after qualifying meaning that Max Verstappen has risen from 11th to 9th in the starting order of the Canadian Grand Prix. Verstappen failed to get into Q3 due to Kevin Magnussen crashing forcing the Red Bull driver to slow down on his flying lap. It will be interesting to see how far the Dutchman can come up through the grid during the race.

Sainz has been given a three-place grid penalty after it was deemed that he blocked Alex Albon in Q2. The McLaren driver qualified in 9th but will actually start 11th due to Magnussen also dropping places.

"Albon was on a fast lap when he closed the gap to Sainz, who was driving slowly on the racing line at Turn 2," read a statement from the stewards quoted by SkySports. "Sainz was on the radio with the team, talking about tyres. The team's warning about Albon approaching was given too late. Because of this, Albon had to abort his lap."

Magnussen's crash in Q2, which led to Verstappen being unable to complete his flying lap, was so bad that he has been forced to start from the pitlane.

Speaking before the grid was confirmed Verstappen said, "Starting 11th or maybe 10th depending on what's going on with the Haas will be tricky as I have to clear the midfield before closing the gap to the leaders."

It will be exciting to see Verstappen in a number of overtaking situations during the race and fans will hope that he can finish high in the points.