Canadian GP Sprint Rated Poorly as Verstappen Decries Qualifying Chaos

*TL;DR: 18% of surveyed fans scored the Canadian Grand Prix sprint a 1 out of 10, the lowest possible rating, as Max Verstappen labeled the qualifying performance “impossible” and George Russell claimed his third consecutive pole.

Context The RaceFans poll, running since 2008, asked 40 respondents to rate the sprint on a 1‑10 scale, focusing on entertainment value rather than team loyalty. The results provide a snapshot of fan sentiment ahead of the main Grand Prix.

Key Facts - 18% of voters assigned the sprint a score of 1, the only rating at the bottom of the scale. The distribution shows a split view: 3% gave a perfect 10, while 25% rated it a 7 and 20% a 6. - Max Verstappen, after a troubled qualifying session, said the car’s behavior was “something’s f***ed up, this is impossible,” indicating confusion over technical issues. - George Russell secured pole position for the third straight Canadian Grand Prix, edging out rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

What It Means The poll highlights a stark divide in fan perception; a sizable minority found the sprint unwatchable, while a modest majority rated it average or above. Verstappen’s outburst underscores ongoing reliability concerns for Red Bull, potentially affecting their championship strategy. Russell’s repeat pole reinforces Mercedes’ qualifying strength on the Montreal circuit, suggesting they may capitalize on Red Bull’s woes.

Looking ahead, the main race will test whether Mercedes can convert pole advantage into a win and whether Red Bull can resolve the “impossible” qualifying issues before the season’s next sprint event.