‘I have to be ready’ - Max Verstappen aware of early battle against Fernando Alonso at Canadian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen will start on pole in the Canadian Grand Prix after his dominant display throughout qualifying in tricky conditions. However, despite leading the drivers' championship and without the threat of Charles Leclerc in Montreal, the Dutchman is still aware of the danger that the experienced Spaniard, Fernando Alonso, can pose. Ad/> The 40-year-old Alonso has made it clear that he is going to “attack” Verstappen at the first corner and attempt to take advantage of his first front-row start since 2013.

Canadian Grand Prix‘It ended up costing me’ — Sainz eager to make up for committed pole attempt4 HOURS AGO Verstappen was always one step ahead of the rest of the grid on Saturday, and controlled qualifying throughout. Also, his Championship rival of Leclerc at Ferrari is starting from the back of the grid due to his planned changes to engine setup, so nobody could blame him for being confident. But Verstappen is still aware of how well Alonso can start a race.

“I know he starts very well you know, so I have to be ready," Verstappen said. «Of course I still expect it not to be straightforward race but I think today with the tricky conditions, we stayed calm, we didn’t make mistakes and we had the right calls in Q3. “So of course [I’m] super happy with that you know, to get pole position here and also to be back here in Montreal, it’s been a while and it’s great to see all the fans.