Canadian Grand Prix Strategy Guide: Red Bull's Verstappen gamble explained

Red Bull's desperation to get Max Verstappen on the medium tyre to start the Canadian Grand Prix, a move which ultimately helped cost him a place in Q3, seems more understandable when assessing the strategy options for Sunday's race in Montreal.

Verstappen will be able to start on the harder compound in the end, as he was left 11th in the Q2 timesheets when Kevin Magnussen crashed to bring out red flags.

The Dutchman will start ninth, with Carlos Sainz serving a penalty and Magnussen starting from the pit-lance after an extensive rebuild on the Haas.

Those starting on the soft tyre, including Daniel Ricciardo and Pierre Gasly in the top five, face a dash to the pits as the red sidewalled compound is expected to melt away double quick, before then a long stint on the hard compound.

Decisions, decisions... 🤔@pirellisport #CanadianGP 🇨🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/kp8At5bZbk

— Formula 1 (@F1) June 9, 2019

It's okay there are still some red 🍩s left!#CanadianGP #Fit4F1 #Pirelli https://t.co/uEe8W1MCq9 pic.twitter.com/mZetMr7U6k

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) June 8, 2019

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