Strategy proved to be a key element of qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, with both Mercedes and Ferrari drivers using the ultrasoft rather than the hypersoft to set their fastest times in Q2. As a result, they will start the race on this compound, which should allow them to carry out a longer first stint than their rivals on the faster Pink hypersoft tyre – which is around a second quicker per lap.
The final top-10 qualifying shoot-out was run exclusively on the hypersoft, with Vettel beating Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas to pole and setting a new lap record of the Montréal circuit.